Lois Jean Malan, age 98 of Salem, Illinois went to meet Jesus and be reunited with the love of her life, Grover, on Tuesday morning, January 25, 2022. She left this world right where she wanted to be – at her long-time home near Selmaville School and was surrounded by her loving daughter and son, Judy Kirkpatrick and Greg Malan and family, and her longtime caregiver, Rose Sullens. She graduated from Creston High School in Grand Rapids in 1941. Lois met Grover Malan on a blind date on August 1, 1942. She would tell this love story to all who would listen. Soon after that date, Grover confided to a friend, “This is the girl I will marry!” and Lois always said that she fell in love with him as soon as she met him. After a short but serious romance, WWII postponed their plans and Grover left after enlisting in the Army Air Corps. They wrote to each other weekly and after a couple years, Grover proposed through a letter with an engagement ring enclosed. Of course, Lois said YES immediately! At war’s end, Grover came home to marry his bride on October 20, 1945.
The romance was again sidetracked on August 20, 2009 when Grover passed to Heaven at 89. Now they are reunited for all eternity. Lois had many passions which included her children and grandchildren. She loved traveling with them, and she and Grover went to many places around the USA with her family.
Throughout Lois’ life she would volunteer to help different organizations. She was very involved in the PTA at Young School many years ago. She was a Pink Lady at Salem Hospital and taught Sunday school at Young’s Chapel Christian Church and First Christian Church for several decades. Lois and Grover would visit the residents of nursing homes and patients in hospitals, so they wouldn’t get lonely and lend them any help needed. They also helped at Reading Link and Sonshine School for many years, and they helped students prepare for their GED by tutoring them.
After Grover’s passing, Lois took her son Greg’s challenge and joined him in competing in the Senior Olympics Track meets each year. She competed in the Shot and Discus and won every meet she entered and usually set new records. She ended up being an eight-time Illinois State Champion and two-time National Champion.
Lois is a member of First Christian Church in Salem and was baptized on October 20, 1948 at Young’s Chapel Christian Church in Salem. During Lois’ nearly 99 years, she lived an amazing life, and all that met her said she was one of the sweetest ladies they ever met.
A Celebration of Life for Lois Jean Malan will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at First Christian Church in Salem with Phil Martin officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the service at the church. A private graveside will follow the service. Memorials can be made to the First Christian Church and can be left at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem who is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
Those left to mourn her passing, but yet celebrate her victory over death and her life are her children, Judy Kirkpatrick and husband Mike, Greg Malan and wife Phyllis, David Malan and wife Vickie, and Ricky Malan and wife Regina; grandchildren, Jennifer Kirkpatrick, Jeff Kirkpatrick, Jason Kirkpatrick, Kristi Tyberendt and husband Mike, Doug Malan and wife Jackie, Traci James and husband Kyle, Angela El-Zawahry and husband Ahmed, Amber Neilson and husband Todd, and Levi Malan; great-grandchildren, Avery Vernon, Antonio Kirkpatrick, Kelsie Kirkpatrick, Lucy Kirkpatrick, Emma Tyberendt, Addison Tyberendt, Anna Tyberendt, Eden Tyberendt, Sophie Tyberendt, Josiah Tyberendt, Boone Tyberendt, Hunter Malan, Lexie Malan, Felicity Malan, Kaden James, Rafe James, Greyson James, Thea James, Trenton Neilson, Logan Neilson, Adam El-Zawahry, and Zico El-Zawahry.
Lois was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 9, 1923 to Furney J. and Tracey E. (Martin) Haskins. She married Grover Malan, and he preceded her in death. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard Haskins and wife Norrine and Howard Haskins and wife Lorraine; and her step-mother, Irene Haskins.
