MCFARLAND / MADISON - Lois Ann Mussey, age 85, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at UW Hospital from complications of a stroke. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Lois was born on July 9, 1939, in Madison, to William and Marie (Tierney) Bolzt. She was baptized and confirmed at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church where she attended school from first through eighth grades. She then attended Central High School, graduating in 1957. She enjoyed her time there being a wrestling cheerleader, was a member of the National Honor Society and had aspirations of being a teacher. During her Senior year she met the love of her life, Jack Mussey, and they were married at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church on May 17, 1958.

Shortly after their marriage, Lois was blessed with her “first child,” her sister-in-law, Mary Ellen “Butch” Mussey, age 12, who came to live with Lois and Jack after the untimely death of Mary and Jack’s parents. Mary immediately became Lois’s daughter, her sister, and close friend as she nurtured her towards adulthood. The three of them moved to Superior for Jack to complete his studies in college and during that time, Lois and Jack became the parents of their first two sons. As their family continued to expand, they moved from Glenwood City to Menomonie, to Eau Claire, returning to Madison for good in 1969. At their home on Bay Ridge, they raised their five children. Lois supported their many activities by being the taxi driver and number one fan for their baseball, softball, hockey, figure skating, football and speed skating events. In her limited free time, she enjoyed knitting, reading and painting ceramics.

Once the kids were all in school, Lois began working as the manager of Jack's State Farm office. She remained working alongside him, supporting his career for more than 40 years, until his retirement in 2017. She was a member of St. Dennis Catholic Church and volunteered at the St. Dennis Festival. Lois and Jack also traveled extensively, from coast to coast and overseas, both with their children and after they were grown, and had a cabin in Northern Wisconsin they enjoyed. As their grandchildren numbers grew, Lois and Jack spent many hours traveling between Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin to support their sports and activities as well.

Lois had most recently been a resident of Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge. She is survived by her husband of more than 66 years, Jack Mussey; three sons, Steve (Mary) Mussey of Sun Prairie, Rick (Judy) Mussey of Janesville and Joe (Ursula) Mussey of Normal, Ill., two daughters, Diane (Mike) Grove of Charlotte, Mich., and Sue (Terry) Kempf of Evansville; 10 grandchildren, Sean (Amy Brogioli) Mussey, Nick (Kimberlee Larson) Mussey and Austin Mussey, Derek and Drew (fiancée Rachel Belsaas) Mussey, Alex (Ethan) Hicks, Camy Grove, Catie, Emmy and Abby Mussey; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and several half brothers and sisters from her mother’s first marriage.

There is no planned service at this time. Lois was a registered organ donor. If you wish to honor her memory, please consider a donation to the University of Wisconsin Organ and Tissue Donation Program (link is below) in her name. Donations may be made through the UW Foundation website or by mail. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Lois Ann Mussey

July 09, 1939 - January 15, 2025

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