Lois Sue Planthaber

Lois Sue Planthaber (nee Maki), 65, of Chicago, IL passed away surrounded by the comfort and love of her family the morning of November 23, 2022, after a battle with cancer. She leaves behind her husband of 39 years, Michael Planthaber, loving children, Michael J. Planthaber Jr., Jori (Tom) Smith, Juline (Aaron) Patlan, sweet and beloved grandchildren, Leah, Willow, Zachary, Theodore, dearest sister Mary Lou (Alan) Zech, fond nephews, Rodney (Melanie) Zech, Bobby Lucas, fond nieces Allison (Kyle) Schmit, Krista (Joe) Maratto, Olivia Zech, Stacey Lucas, beloved great nieces and nephews, Corey, Charlie, Amelia, Ben, Will, Noah, dearest pet cats, Walter and Frank, dog, sweet Rosie, beloved grand furchildren, Zoey, Ellie, Clark, Bailey, Baxter, Lacy, Molly, the chickens, many loved cousins and dear friends.

Lois was born to the late Marjorie and John Maki on January 6, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, on the day of Epiphany, an incredibly special day to her late parents and their faith. As a lifelong Chicagoan, Lois graduated from Senn High School and later spent the past 24 years working with the city of Chicago as part of the 30th Ward family. They were indeed family to her and forever held a special space in her heart. She loved the city of Chicago and had a passion for being a part of the community, always helping others out and organizing and fundraising for events such as the 200-mile trek RIDE for AIDS and the Polar Bear Plunge, benefiting the Special Olympics of Chicago. Her kindness touched the lives of many people throughout the years.

Lois’ late grandfather, Ephraim Maki, immigrated to Grand Marais, Michigan from Finland in 1894 and married his love, Maria Maki on May 15, 1902. This journey set the path for what is now known as our family’s ‘happy place’ that has been loved, cherished, and enjoyed between the generations for over 128 years. Grand Marais has always been a special place for Lois between taking her first steps, many trips throughout each season such as the gorgeous fall colors and warm summer days near the lake, numerous sunrises and sunsets, years of blueberry picking, bear and deer car rides in the woods, to even ‘’her tree’’ near Sable Falls where she almost crashed into on her bike as a young girl. She passed down traditions while creating new ones with her children and now grandchildren. Lois spent her last year visiting multiple times, soaking in memories, peace, and love with family in Grand Marais. It will now be her final resting space.

Lois understood the importance of the power of love and the power of showing up for those she loved. She was always there for you. Lois was selfless and had an incredible amount of strength and kindness within her soul. The holidays were always incredibly special with the magic and love she poured into her family and loved ones, especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Lois' passions included loving and supporting her family, creating, and gifting her arts and crafts, gardening plants, and loving all of God's creatures.  She had a special bond not just for her family, but also for all animals. She loved purple, and everyone knew her love of Pepsi, Portillos and Culvers.

Lois’ family extends their sincere gratitude to Unity Hospice and the University of Chicago Medical Center for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 1 from 3:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Cooney Funeral Home located at 625 Busse Hwy. in Park Ridge with a service at 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the First Lutheran Church in Grand Marais, Michigan on Sunday, December 4, 2022. Services will be conducted by Jon and Sharon Babbitt at 2:00 p.m. with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the service. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grand Marais, Michigan.

For information please call 847-685-1002 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com 

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