Lois S. Totten

Our mom and friend. A warm hearted, loving woman, who treasured time with family and friends, always concerned for others, always active, nicknamed the “energizer bunny”, always steadfast in her love and faith of the Lord. Living her life by a favorite Bible Verse, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on you own understanding,” (Proverbs 3:5) here is part of her story …

She was born Lois Anna Sadie Spilker on April 15, 1924 to Ludwig and Wilhelmina Spilker in DeWitt, Nebraska. She was the oldest of four, brothers Lee and Glen, and sister Mae. Growing up in Nebraska at that time was not easy, but gave her the foundation for her faith, her love of others, especially family, and her strength in life. She would tell stories of how she would walk to school in her father’s footsteps, literally. He would walk in front of her to make a path for her in the snow across the fields. Being raised on a farm, she would help with milking cows, feeding chickens, the annual harvesting and in later year’s would be called a professional shocker, that is before machinery (combines) took over the reaping, threshing and winnowing process. She would never kill a chicken, rather she would call her mom or sister.

After graduating from high school, she taught in a rural school for a year in Saline County, Nebraska. Her contract included doing janitorial work, lighting the furnace in the basement, regular duties for teaching all Grades 1-8, for a salary of $45 a month. She decided country school teaching was not for her after debating with a parent on how to correctly spell the word bathe: b – a – t – h – ‘e’. Mom was correct. A copy of her contract is in one of the albums if you would like to see it.

Soon after she worked at the Unemployment Office, where she sat in front of a Naval Recruitment sign. Yes, a new chapter in her life began. She joined the Waves, the United States Navy. While at boot camp in New York City, her unit was recruited by Paramount Pictures for the Movie “Here Come the Waves”. She was stationed at Coronado (San Diego), California during World War II, where she met Ivan and Opal Totten who introduced her to their son Max. We believe it was love at first sight.

Max and Lois were married on December 14, 1945 in a Chapel in San Diego. They were blessed with three daughters, Kathleen, Joleen and Michelle and an extended family with son-in-law Chuck Baker. Initially they moved to DeWitt, Nebraska and rented a farm, raising corn for Jolly Time. After 4 years, they headed back to the Golden State. She worked at Maywood Bell Ford (car dealership) and then at Goehring’ Insurance after obtaining her insurance license. Always the homemaker, she enjoyed cooking, canning and baking with her specialty being pies. She would bake a pie a day – gooseberry, pecan, butterscotch, banana cream, apricot, graham cracker custard are just a few of the family favorites.

She was always active and never wanted to be idle, again the “energizer bunny”. With her country upbringing, she and Max raised vegetables, fruit, roses, orchids, and even chickens for awhile. She was always crafting, helping Max with his woodwork projects and the girls with various school fundraising activities, including frustration pencils, dried flower arrangements, bake sales, sewing bags and costumes. Later in years, she learned acrylic painting at the Senior Center in Cerritos. There’s even a painting of a church on a hill she painted labeled Bethany.

Lois was baptized on May 4, 1924 at Immanual Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Nebraska and confirmed on March 21, 1938 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Beatrice, Nebraska. Growing up her family attended a German-only Speaking Church. She only started to learn English after starting school where the teacher would not let the other children speak German to her. That’s when she began her love of the English language. However, she did take Max first to a German-only speaking Church. In California, she attended Redeemer Lutheran - South Gate, Peace Lutheran - South Gate, St Paul’s Lutheran – Lynwood, Concordia - Cerritos and Bethany Lutheran - Long Beach.

Over the years, Lois was very active in many phases of Church life – attending and teaching bible study, confirmation classes and Sunday school; coordinating and participating in work parties; and providing a helping hand or two to her daughters with various church ministries such as puppetry, clowning, playday crafts and flower cards for shut-ins. Most important to her were attending Church to start the week and beginning and ending every day with devotions and prayer.

She enjoyed learning about her family heritage and was amazed with the articles, pictures and information on the internet, as well as the emails received from distant relatives. There are pictures and albums she helped put together regarding her life and heritage which you can view. She treasured get togethers with family and friends, and looked forward to phone calls with her sister, brothers and other family members and friends in California, Nebraska, Missouri and other states.

Lois was greeted at the Heavenly Gates by Jesus and a multitude of saints on June 4th. There to greet her were her parents, husband Max, daughter Joleen, brother Lee Spilker, brothers-in-law Alfred Parde and Eugene “Dutch” Totten and many other relatives and friends.

Thank you mom for always being there and giving us the treasure of your love. We know that you will always be with us and that we will be together again one day.

Love you! Hugs and Kisses,

Kathy, Michelle and Chuck

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401