Lois Emily (Megow) Conant, age 100, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, in La Crosse, Wisconsin — a place that, like so many others, she had made feel like home through her warmth, generosity, and unmistakable spirit.

Lois was born in Princeton, Wisconsin, and over her long and well-lived life, she called several places home, including La Crosse, Stoddard and Eagle River, before returning to La Crosse in her later years. Wherever she lived, she had a gift for turning houses into gathering places and neighbors into friends.

She was married to the love of her life, Jack Conant, with whom she built a life full of hospitality, laughter, and adventure. Together, they welcomed visitors from around the world to their home in Eagle River when clergymen, politicians, and snowmobiling enthusiasts came north to ride the trails. Lois was the heart of it all — cooking, hosting, laughing, and making everyone feel like they belonged.

Though her work was centered in the home, Lois lived a life that was anything but small. She was an exceptional cook, known especially for her beef stew, apple pie, and her legendary scrambled eggs, meals that became memories for generations. She was also a skilled maker, crafting ornate Christmas ornaments and beautiful quilts, many of which she donated through her church to people in need. Giving came naturally to her, it was simply who she was.

Lois could hold her own with anyone. She was just as comfortable hosting a roomful of guests as she was “hanging with the guys” on international snowmobile tours including to Iceland and Finland, a detail that always made people smile and perfectly captured her spirit.

She was deeply caring and endlessly generous, a social butterfly with a contagious laugh and a quick sense of humor. Lois loved games of all kinds from crosswords to television game shows and her family is certain that, had she ever made it onto Wheel of Fortune, she would have won the whole thing. She also had a tender heart for the wildlife that visited, especially the deer, birds, and chipmunks she faithfully fed each winter. The deer came to recognize the feeder she and Jack built for them, gathering as if they, too, were part of the family.

Lois is survived by her children Rick Conant (Deb) and Chris Swenson (Myron); her grandchildren Ryan Conant (Kelsey), Beth Gilster (Garth), James Jensen (Kristine), and Jessica Baijnauth (Rock); and her great-grandchildren Peyton, Weston, and Isabella Jensen, each of whom carries a piece of her humor, kindness, and strength forward.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Conant.

The family would like to thank the staff at Eagle Crest North, Haven House II and Bethany Riverside for their exceptional care and kindness.

Condolences may be made by visiting couleecremation.com