Lois Ann Rogan passed away peacefully on October 20, 2022, one day after her 90th birthday. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and friend.
She was born in Crary, North Dakota on October 19, 1932 the last of seven children to Hjalmer and Louise (Froelich) Stenseth. In 1950, she graduated from Crary High School. Lois then worked for two years at the Devil’s Lake, North Dakota Court House. She moved to East Helena, Montana in July 1952 at the request of her dear friend Marcheta Hegman. Lois then worked for Mountain Bell Telephone Company for five years.
On May 11, 1957 Lois married John E. “Jack” Rogan. They had three children, Colleen, Mike, and John Rogan. She and Jack farmed in the Helena Valley, along Prickly Pear Creek, until 1983 when they sold the ranch and moved to East Helena.
In addition to helping on the farm, Lois worked part-time for Meadow Gold Dairy doing demonstrations in various Helena grocery stores. Years later, people would recognize her and ask if she used to hand out ice-cream at the stores. She also worked part-time for Associated Foods. In addition, she was entrusted to work for the Federal Reserve Bank in Helena destroying old money.
Lois was a life-time member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary 10010, East Helena, Montana. She also was a dedicated election poll worker.
Lois’ excellent baking skills were well known and enjoyed by countless. Besides blessing her family and friends with her creations, she donated many delicious baked goods yearly to events sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary.
Lois’ frequent, huge, and contagious laughter was another blessing she bestowed upon virtually all who crossed her path over the years. We’ll never forget her laugh.
Lois’ love of music is peerless. She loved music of all genres, with favorites including Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, and Ray Price. She also could play the piano by ear, from Honky-Tonk to the Top Hits, despite never having a lesson. In addition, she was an avid sports fan.
She was preceded in death by her parents and all her siblings. Lois is survived by her husband, Jack Rogan, Helena; children Colleen Rogan, Helena; John Rogan, East Helena; Michael (Mike) and Donna Rogan, Helena; granddaughter Tammy and Collin Frerck, Tolar Texas; great grandson Jace Frerck, Tolar, Texas; sister-in-law Helen “Cookie” Richards, Austin, Texas; sister-in-law Isabelle “Issie” Pistelak, Helena; sister-in-law Dolores Stenseth, Devil’s Lake, North Dakota; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Lois got her wish to live in her home until the last few of weeks of her life. Special thanks to the skilled and caring staff of the St. Peter’s Hospital Medical Floor, Bee Hive Assisted Living, and Saint Peter’s Health Hospice, as well as the many friends and family who provided assistance, well wishes, and prayers during this time.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on November 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the church basement. Interment will take place at the Fort Harrison Veterans Cemetery after the reception.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 4, 2022
Saint Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Friday November 4, 2022
Social Center of the Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Friday November 4, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 4, 2022
Saint Mary's Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Friday November 4, 2022
Social Center of the Church
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the reception
Friday November 4, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Share
Brenda Deyerle says
Colleen and family so sorry to hear about Lois my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Brenda and Ron
John and Andrea Hirschey says
So sorry to hear of Lois being called Home! She was a remarkable Lady! I’m sure she will be missed by many!!
Dennis McAlpin says
John and family, we are so sorry to hear about your mother Lois our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dennis and Carrie McAlpin
Steve & Wanda Arlint says
Dear Mike, Colleen and John:
So sorry to hear about your mom. She was a wonderful lady. Always smiling. I enjoyed the time she would come in and do demos for us. When we were kids, I remember going to your house and playing. I found out your mom and I shared the same birthday. So over the years, whenever I saw her around her birthday, I would always tell her “Happy Birthday”, which always surprised her because she didn’t know how I would remember her birthday. She will be greatly missed.
Steve and Wanda Arlint
Elaine Myles says
Colleen and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Hard to lose a mom. Loved reading her obituary. A very special woman. My prayers and thoughts are with you. With Sincere Sympathy.
Sue Casey says
I worked at the Fed (in another department) when Lois and Jack destroyed currency. It was always such a good time to visit with them on breaks. Later I discovered they lived next door to my sister. I was so happy to see them again after their retirement. Rest in peace in God’s glory dear Lois.
Curtis Stanghill says
Jack and family, so sorry to hear the news of Lois. Wonderful memories. Prayers for the family.
Peggy Laurine Marcinkowski says
Indeed, another earth angel went home to heaven. I’m glad her suffering is over and now her husband has joined her only 11 days later. What a love link! Lois is known for her joyful spirit and tender heart. She had a frequent, huge, contagious laugh and cried as easily when her tender heart was touched. She was like a second Mom to me. I think I spent about a third of my childhood weekends at her home where I felt so loved, accepted, valued, and enjoyed for whom I was. We enjoyed each other’s gift of humor. She cooked me countless delicious meals and baked goods, took us Friday nights to Wongs for Chinese noodles, took us to many movies at the Marlowe theatre, tolerated Colleen’s and my predictable laughter that kept her sons up and upset the countless nights I stayed over, brought embarrassment in church, and when we laughed out of a shared nervousness at inappropriate times. She let Colleen and I drag our dolls along a bit past when that should have ceased. Until the last couple of years, Colleen would bring her to visit me and my friends in Washington State. She stepped far out of comfort zone to testify for my Mom’s wishes and was a supreme support during that time as always. I have countless things to thank her for over the 61+ years she’s blessed my life and embraced me as a member of her wonderful family. She raised three wonderful children who worked together amiably so Lois and Jack could get their wish to stay at their home until the last few weeks of their lives. My dear Godsend, I’ll see you on the other side. Godspeed, Lois!
Mary & Charlie Phelps says
Dearest Lois
Hope you and Jack have had a wonderful reunion in your Heavenly home. Always knew that you were meant for each other and now we know how true that was.
We loved our breakfasts and other social events we attended together. Also loved your wonderful laugh and bright smile. Jack always looked at you and smiled as if saying how much he loved you.
So glad you are together forever.
Much love
“Mike” & Charlie
Cathy Christian Ireland says
So sorry to see that you have lost your parents Colleen. Your mom frequented Buttreys and I would join her for a visit at the snack bar if I could. I really enjoyed listening to her and always filled me in about you.
Blessings and prayers.
Dennis Quinn says
Colleen,
So very sorry about the passing of your parents. My prayers are with you and your family.
Pat Kessner says
To the family of Lois and Jack.
I attended fun filled meetings with your mom. We all had so much fun and the laughter was contagious. She was a great lady who I was blessed to call a friend. May your parents rest in eternal peace. 🙏
Mike Harvey says
Mike, Colleen and John,
The Harvey family sends our deepest sympathy on the passing of both your mom and dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Since our families are old friends, many memories surface from times gone by. They were both great people and will not be forgotten. From all the Bill and Alice Harvey clan.
Marvin St Clair says
I am the middle son of Marcheta who was mentioned in Lois’s obituary. I can look back and vividly remember Lois living with us for a spell way back when. I remember all the baking, laughing, and good times being raised by not one but two beautiful souls. My mother and Lois. After Lois met Jack and had the ranch my memories are flooded with dragging around gunny sacks attached to a waist board picking up a few potatoes the machinery missed in their field, riding the horses, and playing with the kids… Lois and Jack were very special people in my life. Never judgmental and always loving. When I’d get back to Helena for a visit I made time to stop by and see them. Sometimes we shared a picture or two, meet up for dinner somewhere, or simply spend time visiting. Colleen and the boys have done a tremendous job of taking care of both their parents right up to the time God took each one of them home. I will never forget Jack and Lois, part of my extended family for sure.
Ellen Overby says
So sorry to see of your mother’s paying. I fondly remember visiting we she and Jack whenever we got to helens. I am Jack’s first cousin. God bless all of you especially Jack. I lost my husband I February and understand how hard that loss is.