Obituary of Lois Ann Herline

Lois Herline, caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, gracefully navigated her final journey on January 29th, 2024 at the age of 72. Pancreatic cancer underestimated her strength and courage; she shared that she felt calm and at ease as she left us.

Born to Catherine (Fischer) and Robert Pelfresne on December 28th, 1951 in Muskegon, Michigan as the eldest of nine siblings. Married for 37 years, she met the love of her life, Gary, on the first day of college, who cleverly worked in the fact that he rode motorcycles and flew airplanes to impress her. Together they built a fulfilling life in Ann Arbor raising their three daughters Shannon, Whitney and Chelsea.

Demonstrating how to be a successful businesswoman while seamlessly balancing raising three girls, she excelled in her career and formed strong friendships with colleagues. Outside of work, Lois modeled how to claim the best poolside lawn chair on vacations, the therapeutic benefits of a slow Target stroll and the art of freezing anything. She was a "mom" to many, opening her home to all of the girls' friends growing up and staying up to date on all of their lives as they got older.

In the past several years, Lois thrived as "Grandma" to her three grandchildren, Kepler, Owen and Haddie. She relished FaceTime moments with them, was known for having the best snacks and calmed even the toughest nap protest. She loved making frequent trips to visit her daughters and grandchildren across both coasts and vacationing in Florida and Hilton Head Island. She ended her golf career on a high note, securing a league win in her final season last year – all while impeccably dressed. Lois had a strong community in Ann Arbor and enjoyed spending time with close friends.

We will miss her every day for her ability to have a solution to every problem, appreciation for the simple things and for being the bedrock of our family. Her absence will be profoundly felt by her husband, Gary Herline and daughters Shannon (Charlie & Owen) Farrell, Whitney (Jordan) Herline and Chelsea (Aaron, Kepler & Haddie) Cook. Her siblings, Robert (Karen) Pelfresne, Gary (Sue) Pelfresne, Nancy Pelfresne, Jim (Sarah) Pelfresne, Linda (John) Stegemen, Bill (Terri) Pelfresne, Lori (Dan) Baas and Janet (Brian) Vestergaard.

She is preceded in death by her parents (Robert and Catherine Pelfesne), brother (Gary Pelfresne) and nephew (Adam Carter).

Join us for Lois's Celebration of Life on Friday, February 23rd, 2024 at 11:00 am at Ann Arbor City Club. Instead of flowers, please share your favorite memory of Lois with the family or donate to your preferred charity in her honor.