Lois Elaine Karr Kiefer Fernstaedt

Lois was born in Rochelle, Illinois to the late Raymond and Pearl Karr. She was a graduate of Belvidere High School, married Don Kiefer of Belvidere, Illinois, attended Northern Illinois University and worked most of her career as a controller for Hanley Furniture Company and then Wholesale Veterinary Supply, both of Rockford, Illinois. Lois was a life-long Belvidere resident until retiring to Florida. After Don’s passing in 2004, Lois married Arnie Fernstaedt (previously of Harvard, Illinois and Madison, Wisconsin) in 2008, who subsequently passed in 2023.

Lois was a great mother to three children, and was known as “Mimi” to her two grandchildren. She enjoyed time with family and friends and had a passion for travelling.

In addition to her parents, her husband, Don Kiefer, and brothers, Bill and Don Karr both of Belvidere, Illinois, preceded Lois in death.

Lois is survived by her daughter, Diane Kiefer Fuchs and her husband, Kevin Fuchs, of Greenville, Indiana; son, Dan Kiefer and his wife, Tammy Franklin Kiefer of Athens, Georgia; son, David Kiefer and his wife, Courtney Tobin of Athens, Georgia, grandchildren, Catie and Sam Kiefer, both of Athens, Georgia, and stepchildren Terry Fernstaedt of Sarasota, Florida, Cynthia Martinez of Yuma, Arizona, and Rhonda Fernstaedt Harrison and her husband Jim Harrison of Rockton, IL.

Donations in Lois’ memory can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children or St. Jude Children Research Hospital.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.