Lois Kessler Tisdell

Celebrating Lois Kessler Tisdell, June 29, 1936 – July 29, 2025

Our family feels truly blessed to have had Lois in our lives, a woman with a quick wit, caring heart and deep faith. Lois had a remarkable gift for making space in her life and heart for so very many. She celebrated your joys and stood by you during times of struggle. Lois passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on July 29, 2025, in Shakopee, MN.

Lois Mary Kessler was born on June 29, 1936, in Sleepy Eye, MN, to John and Agnes (Krzmarzick) Kessler. She grew up on the family farm in Bird Island as the eldest of three sisters, often working alongside her father and especially cherishing the times she was invited along on his fishing trips.

While attending St. Mary’s Catholic School in Bird Island, Lois met and got engaged to William Francis “Bill” Tisdell. After Lois’s nursing training and Bill’s service in the Air Force, they were married on August 17, 1957. When Lois later asked Bill what made him certain she was “the one,” he answered, among other reasons, “because she was strong and up for a big family.” And he was right! Lois liked to tease that “he got her with those big brown eyes.”

While Bill pursued his degree at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Lois worked as a Registered Nurse and welcomed their first three children. The family later moved to Burnsville, MN, where four more children were born. In 1979, Bill and Lois fulfilled a longtime dream by moving to their home on Spring Lake, a place Lois lovingly referred to as “a hunk of heaven.” Their home became the heart of family life, hosting countless gatherings over the span of 45 years. She cherished the lake views and tending to her beautiful garden.

Lois was great fun! She enthusiastically supported her family’s many activities and cheering for the Vikings. One of her most cherished traditions was spending a week up north, something she began with her dad and continued with her grandchildren fishing on “Grandma’s pontoon.” Trips to visit loved ones throughout the country especially filled her heart with happiness. An avid traveler, Lois took many trips to Europe, mostly Germany and Ireland. She loved meeting new people, exploring new places, and making every moment count.

Lois maintained many friendships from her years in nursing and in retail at Wilsons. She and Bill also built lasting bonds through their involvement in Bulldog and Kennel Clubs, where they spent many happy years training and attending dog shows.

Lois is survived by children, Thomas (Qiuqin) Tisdell, Julie (John) Young, Peter (Maria) Tisdell, Molly (Chris Miller) Tisdell, Bill (Remy) Tisdell, John (Ivonne Ledesma) Tisdell; daughter-in-law, Lauri Tisdell; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Dolores (Frankie) Marks, Jeanne (Greg) Merth; and many other loving relatives and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by husband, Bill Tisdell; son, Mark Tisdell; parents, John and Agnes Kessler.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with Time of Gathering from 9:30 AM -10:45 AM, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. Father Tom Walker will preside. Lois will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Prior Lake, MN.

Family and friends may join the mass by visiting St. Mike's YouTube.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed by the family in honor of Lois.