Just as Ernest and Helen Bengtson of Lewis, WI, welcomed their baby girl, Lois Gayle Bengtson, into their lives on July 8, 1944, they also waited at the gates of Heaven as she entered their arms once again on May 1, 2023. Lois Gayle Baldwin, age 78, passed away peacefully at Comforts of Home in St. Croix Falls, WI, where she had made her home for several years coping with a traumatic brain injury and dementia. She was loved and adored by her caregivers there. Near the end of her life, she received skillful hospice care from St. Croix Hospice.

As a child, Lois was baptized in the Lewis Methodist Church. She attended school in Frederic, graduating in 1962. After high school, she attended the Accredited School of Cosmetology in Eau Claire, WI. During this time, she dated and eventually married her high school sweetheart, Marvin Carlson. They would eventually divorce years later.

Lois was dedicated to her career, working at several salons and eventually opening The Hair Affair in Luck, WI. Eventually along with owning the salon came the adventure of operating the attached Laundry Basket laundromat. It was during this time she married Arlo Thompson. Arlo and Lois enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii. They were active members of the North Valley Lutheran Church.

After Arlo’s death in 1993, Lois married Baldy (Ardell) Baldwin. They continued to run the laundromat and then retired--until Lois missed the business world! She then became an independent Scentsy consultant. Lois loved the business and the friends she made!

Two of Lois’s passions in life were children and animals. Even though she had no biological children, she gained an abundance of joy from the children she adored. She loved and spoiled many! Her cat Taffe and her poodles, Cocoa and Pepe, were some of her treasured “fur babies” throughout the years.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Helen Bengtson, an infant brother, her husband Arlo, her husband Baldy (Ardell), her grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour preceding the service at North Valley Lutheran Church, 1988 220th Avenue, Centuria, WI, with Pastor Maggie Isaacson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to North Valley Lutheran Church or the Humane Society of Burnett County in memory of Lois.

Last Update: May 03, 2023 3:01 pm CDT