Lois Grace Kiel

Lois Grace Kiel was born on July 23rd, 1935, to Allen and Emma Melger in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

She graduated from Trinity Lutheran School in 1945 and North High School in 1953. Lois met her husband Clayton Harvey Kiel in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and they married on April 27th, 1957. They moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where her husband worked for AC Spark Plug General Motors. In November 1961, they moved to Goleta, California, where her husband Clayton continued to work with General Motors. Lois devoted the early years to bringing up their 4 children, a blessing in her life. She enjoyed these years.

In 1985, she started work for the Goleta Union School District as a food service worker for 18 years, serving the young children until 2003. The family loved adventure. While the children were young, they traveled to all the states, national parks, and forests, and Alaska to the end of the road. Later, Lois and her husband traveled to many exotic places: the Caribbean, Hawaii, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga. The South Pacific was their favorite, where they loved to snorkel and experience the life of living in a Fijian village, because of a note in a bottle. Lois was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran church and loved singing in the church choir for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband Clayton of 49 years on August 13th, 2006, her brother Allen, and her sister Ruth.

She is survived by daughter Susan (Jack) Huthsing, son Robert (Kelley) Kiel, daughter Sharon (Shane) Starr, son Steven (Elaina, predeceased) Kiel. Her grandchildren also survive her: Daniel, Joseph, and Gabriella Huthsing; Justin and Jessica Kiel; Sierra and Forest Starr; Katie and Kacie Kiel. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren: Benjamin and Vivian Huthsing; Grant and James Huthsing; Pierce and Locher Kiel; and Kolson Starr. Also, sister in law Eileen Schieble and nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 380 N Fairview Avenue, Goleta, California, on May 9th at 11:00 am, with a reception following in the fireside room.

“See you all in heaven again. God blessed me with the best husband and children. I loved my life.” -Lois Kiel