Lois Howard, 62, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 6, 2017 surrounded by loving family in her home in Sioux Falls. Funeral Service will be 4:00 pm Saturday, March 11th at Abiding Savoir Free Lutheran Church, 4100 S Bahnson Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD. Life celebration and fellowship with friends and family will follow the service.

Lois E. Howard, daughter of Melvin and Judith (Wek) Akland, was born April 3rd, 1954 in Hawarden, IA. She grew up on the family farm northeast of Spink, SD. She was proud to have attended a country grade school. After attending Augustana Academy in Canton, Lois graduated from Beresford High School in 1972. She then enrolled at The University of South Dakota where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1976. Lois met her husband Richard while attending undergraduate classes at USD. The two were engaged in August of 1978. Their simple wedding was held at Roseni Lutheran Church. She was "so happy to be marrying the man of (her) dreams" surrounded by friends and family who braved the memorably cold night of December 30th, 1978. Lois and Dick would go on to move around the country to complete his medical education and training. These adventures took them to Milwaukee, WI, where they welcomed their son Thomas. From there they continued to Galveston, Sioux City, and Kansas City. She and her family eventually returned home to South Dakota in 1992.

Lois and Dick would open the Sioux Falls Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which they managed and operated side-by-side for 22 years. Her position as clinic manager of the family business fulfilled her career aspirations to "be in charge". She retired on the eve of her son joining the practice in 2015.

She is survived by her loving husband Richard, her son Tom and his wife Katie. She was blessed with the gift of two grand children Benjamin and Samuel Howard. Lois is also survived by her brothers Richard (Brenda), Ordell (Pauline), Craig (Ann), her sister Gayle (Dirk) and many beloved nieces and nephews. Lois's loving family extends to the dear families of Jason and Maggie Reinert and Peter and Achol Deng. She felt especially blessed to have shared her life with many close friends.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents Melvin and Judy, her sister-in-law Wanda, sister-in-law Darla and brother-in-law Steve.

The family would like the thank Pastor Flaa, the Avera hospice nurses, especially Bruce, and the countless people who offered their prayers and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be donated to: Rainbow Bible Ranch, 14676 Lonetree RD., Sturgis, SD; Direct Line Prayer Center, 227 W 9th St, Sioux Falls, SD; and Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church, 4100 S. Bahnson Rd., Sioux Falls, SD 57103.