Lois Eileen Ziniel

Lois E. Ziniel, 91 of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Laurels Peak in Mankato, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2026 at All Saints Parish – St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars with Fr. Doug Klein officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until the service time on Friday, July 24, 2026 at the church. Arrangements are with Rexwinkel Funeral Home of Le Mars.

Lois Eileen Lardy was born on July 13, 1935 in Webster, South Dakota to Nick and Elizabeth (Gebetsreiter) Lardy. She grew up in Roslyn, South Dakota where she received her schooling at Roslyn Consolidated Schools. After she graduated from Roslyn High School, she continued her education at Mankato Commercial College where she earned a degree in business.

Lois was united in marriage to James M. Ziniel on September 1, 1956. They made their home in Mankato where they raised their six children and lived for 25 years. While living in Mankato, Lois worked in the office at Gosewisch Brother’s Furniture Store and KTOE Radio station. In 1979, they moved to Le Mars, Iowa. Lois worked for Le Mars Cablevision (now Premiere Communications) and then for Nuebel Chevrolet until she retired in 2008. She also worked part-time at the KC Hall and American Legion until she 76 years old.

Lois was a member of All Saints Parish - St. James Catholic Church where she was also a member of Catholic Daughters/Christian Mothers. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was a member of the Wasmer American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing cards, embroidering, and spending time with her family and friends. Some of her favorite things were Chevrolets, a cocktail at happy hour, and the Minnesota Twins.

Survivors include her six children: Terri Schwartz, Joyce (Pat) Kennedy, Mark (Lisa) Ziniel, Mike (Terese) Ziniel, Lori (John) Ruhland, and Nick (Tara) Ziniel; 13 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren and one more on the way; sister in law, JoAnn Ziniel; and other extended relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim (2004); parents; parents in law, Math and Theresa (Lehner) Ziniel; granddaughter, Hope Ann Ruhland; son in law, Lenni Schwartz; sister, Lucille (Chet) Miotke; brother, Henry (Annrita) Lardy; and brothers in law: Joseph Ziniel and John Ziniel.