Lois Gust

Lois J. (McGowan) Gust joined her Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at an amazing 91 years old. Lois was born to Arthur and Jeanette McGowan on October 8th, 1935.

Lois grew up in the town of Oregon with 12 siblings. She was proud to have attended Oak Hall School, a one-room schoolhouse that she walked uphill both ways in rain, wind, blizzards and anything else she could come up with. She always shared fond memories of her childhood with her children and grandchildren.

On April 11, 1956, she married Raymond Gust of Verona, and they were married until his passing in 2017. They raised three children together, Jeanne Mork, Kathleen Morgan, and James Gust. Raymond was a farmer, and Lois proudly worked for the Bank of Verona for 40 years. They were also known for their pumpkins, and at that time of year it was not unusual to catch her washing pumpkins in her yard, or on the square in Madison. She was known as The Pumpkin Lady to many.

Lois is survived by two of her children, James Gust and Jeanne Mork; grandchildren, Angie (Jeff) Fritsch, Heather (Corry) Sokel, DeWayne (Carly) Morgan, Daniel Morgan, William Heitman; four great grandchildren, Alex (Lesley) Fritsch, Morgan (Malachi) Perkins, Nina Sokel and Isaiah Sokel. She is further survived by four siblings, Helen (Ted) Valenza, Robert (Sandy) McGowan, Teresa (Joe) Lalor and Nancy Skuldt.

She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Clarice Hinchley, Bernice Dunn, Gerald McGowan, James McGowan, Dale McGowan Judith Stark, two infants; and her daughter, Kathy Morgan.

As a family, we would like to thank Maplewood in Sauk City, where she received amazing care by some great people.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 301 North Main Street, Verona, WI. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A funeral luncheon will be held after the Mass at church. Entombment will be held at Resurrection Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. 


To view full details or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625