Born on October 28, 1946, in Beltrami, Minnesota, to William and Lila (Flake) Stilwell, Lois lived a life marked by faith, service, and love. Lois was the tenth child in a family of twelve which included seven older brothers. She attended Oak Hills Bible College, where her passion for ministry began to flourish. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Felton, California to be with her brother. There she met Merlin Egland, a youth pastor originally from Houston, Minnesota. They were married on June 19, 1971, and faithfully served together in several Evangelical Free churches across Minnesota and Iowa until Merlin’s passing in 2004.
On March 31, 2007, Lois married Henry Roker of Fairbury, Nebraska. In 2019 they relocated to Lincoln where they oversaw a newly built home and became involved in their new community. Lois quickly joined the neighborhood TOA, volunteered in the church office, and hosted their much loved weekly Life Group gatherings. No matter where Lois lived, she made deep connections and lasting friendships with everyone she met.
Lois’s life was a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Her gentle spirit, servant’s heart, and unwavering trust in Christ touched countless lives. She served faithfully in Awana’s and children’s ministry and was the pianist in several of the churches she attended. Being a grandma brought her great joy through watching sporting events, attending concerts, and supporting their activities. Whether she could attend in person, watch online, or hear about it afterward, Lois was so proud of each of them. She looked forward to time around the table with playing games and putting together jigsaw puzzles. She was an amazing cook and enjoyed preparing her family’s favorite meals and desserts, especially chocolate marshmallow brownies! Hospitality and connection are some of Lois’s many gifts which she graciously shared with others through hosting family gatherings, planning reunions, and sending out family updates via email. Her playful sense of humor and occasional prank brought laughter and light wherever she went.
Lois is survived by her loving husband, Henry Roker; her daughter Melissa (Jay) Marschall; Henry’s children Steve (Sarah), Peter (Mary), and Rebecca Roker; grandchildren Aaron (Natasha), Alex, Andrew (Rebeckah), Alijah, and Ayden Marschall; Benjamin, Jack, Luke, Peyton, Camdon, and Jadon Roker; and great-granddaughter Margo Marschall. She is also survived by her brothers Harry, Steve, and Jim Stilwell, along with many beloved nieces and nephews who will fondly remember their ‘Aunt Loie’.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Merlin Egland; her parents; eight siblings and Henry’s son Scott Roker.
A visitation with family greeting friends will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, at Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr, Lincoln, NE 68516.
Memorial services will be held on Friday October 3rd at 3:00 p.m. at Lincoln Berean Church, 6400 S 70th St, Lincoln, NE 68516.
Celebration of life will be held in Minnesota from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday October 5th, at Bethany Evangelical Free Church, 301 S Ellsworth St, Houston, MN 55943.
She will be laid to rest at 10 a.m. on Monday October 6th, at the Silver Creek Cemetery in Houston, Minnesota.
Memorial Gifts: Sharing God’s Love through Christian Ministries
Service will be livestreamed at: www.lincolnberean.org/funerallive