Lois Petaja, age 79, of Escanaba, died Sunday morning June 18, 2006 at her home following a lengthy illness with cancer.

Lois was born September 20, 1926, in Escanaba, the daughter of Charles and Clara (Sillers) Schmidt. She was raised in Escanaba and attended and graduated from the Escanaba High School in 1944. Before her marriage to George, Lois was employed at Clairmont Transfer Company, Harnischfeger and in the offices of Chatfield Machine. On August 10, 1950, Lois married George Petaja at the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Escanaba. Together the couple made their home and raised their family in Escanaba. Lois and George spent many wonderful years together and celebrated their fifty fifth wedding anniversary in August of last year. Lois enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren and for the last ten plus years; she enjoyed her weekly Thursday lunch with her high school friends at the Elmer’s Restaurant in Escanaba. She also enjoyed listening to guitar music. She will be missed immensely by her family and friends.

In addition to her husband George, Lois is survived by:

1 Brother: Charles (Betty) Schmidt

1 Son: Tom Petaja of Milwaukee, WI

2 Daughters: Lynn (Richard) Robitaille of Danforth, MI, Patti (Ted;D.O.) Bash of West Branch, MI

3 Grandchildren: Heather Robitaille, Haley Bash and Anthony Bash

Also listed among the surviving family is sister in law Opal Schmidt and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Clara, sister, Rita Kelly and 2 brothers, Robert and William Schmidt.

Family will receive friends on Thursday from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Lois Petaja will follow visitation, at 5:00PM, at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home, with Pastor James Holmberg, of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, officiating. Luncheon will follow funeral services at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Escanaba. Committal will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Petaja family with arrangements.