Lois Marie Plote

Lois Marie Plote, 87, of Kirkland, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026, surrounded by her family, from complications of Long-COVID. Born November 15th, 1938 in Norwood Park, IL, the daughter of Bernhard and Esther nee Sass Von Bergen. Lois was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1957.  “Lo” married the love of her life, Wesley A. Plote on July 11th, 1959 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Itasca, Illinois. She farmed with her husband and son in rural Kirkland and Steward, Illinois. Fondly referred to as “Gram,” she took pride in planning family celebrations, sewing, baking, and truly enjoyed all the work that came with country living. Lois looked forward each summer to her cherished time at the Boone County Fair, where each day was filled with laughter, tradition, and treasured moments with her family. The love she had for her family was immeasurable and she dedicated her life to creating a home filled with love, laughter, and serving her Lord. Lois poured great detail and effort into every recipe, gathering, and project she was involved in. Her “normal” was often considered to be extraordinary. She retired after 25 years as a Post Master Relief for the United States Post Office in Clare, Illinois. Lois was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Genoa, Illinois where she taught Sunday School and assisted in Confirmation education for over 20 years. She and her husband were also longstanding members of the Dekalb County Farm Bureau. She is and will be forever loved by her husband of 66 years, Wesley A. Plote; son, Wesley D. Plote; daughter, Paula (Matthew) Krause; son-in-law David Clark; grandchildren, Nicholas (Kylee) Krause, Nathan (Sandra) Clark, Danielle (Alec) Wetzell, Jessica (Lukas) Harper, and Ashley “Rascal” Plote; great-grandchildren, Coen and Camden Krause, Faye Wetzell, and Krew Harper; brothers, Melvin (Bobette) Von Bergen, Glen (Nancy) Von Bergen; sisters, Esther Goebbert, Ruth Mecklenburg; sister-in-law, Patricia Von Bergen; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Lois was preceded in death by her parents Bernhard and Esther Von Bergen, an infant sister, Virginia; her daughter, Pamela Plote-Clark; brother, Gordon Von Bergen; brothers-in-law, Jim Goebbert and Van Topper Mecklenburg. Services and interment will be private. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Allan R. Buss, Dr. Molly Simmons, and NP Hartman for their compassion, comfort, and steadfast support during this difficult time. Condolences can be shared with the family at www.belviderefh.com. Grandpa would like to extend heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to Dave and Nate Clark for their unwavering commitment to sharing coffee, homemade gourmet breakfasts, and lively conversation with Gram and Gramps each morning. The family also expresses sincere gratitude to her son, Wesley, for his thoughtfulness, reliability, and continued care leading up to her passing. They are especially grateful to her daughter, Paula, whose strength, kindness, and attentive care meant so much during this time. Mom’s experiences, stories, and life lessons instilled the values of hard work, perseverance, and the power of prayer that will be cherished by her family and all those fortunate enough to know her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.