Lois (Rein) Monnens

Lois (Rein) Monnens, age 94, of Shakopee, MN, entered eternal life on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Friendship Manor Nursing Home in Shakopee.

A visitation will be held for Lois on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 9 -11 AM, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM, at St. Joachim and Anne (Church of St. Mark) 350 Atwood Street, Shakopee, MN. Father Frankie Floeder will preside. She will be laid to rest at the Shakopee Catholic Cemetery.

Lois Mary was born on May 28, 1931, in Shakopee, MN, to Joseph and Dolores (Weckman) Rein. She spent her childhood in Shakopee, playing the accordion, attending St. Mark's Catholic School and later graduated from Shakopee High School.

After meeting Donald Monnens, they married on September 5, 1949, in Shakopee, where they made their first home and welcomed Donny, Donna, Rick, and Lindy. In May of 1961, the family relocated to the countryside, where their family grew further with the births of Randy, Kevin, and Joe. In 1992, Lois and Don moved back into town, first to a single-family home and in the early 2000’s to a twin home.

Throughout her life, Lois dedicated herself to caring for her family as a homemaker. She was known for her skill in canning and pickling, keeping a spotless home, while raising her children. Although gardening was Don’s expertise, Lois excelled in the kitchen, baking and cooking. Her chocolate cake was a special treat—sometimes enjoyed for breakfast. Lois’s cookies were a staple in her household, with a freezer stocked for anyone to enjoy. She celebrated everyone’s birthday by calling and singing the birthday song, and with cards.

Lois cherished her time spent with Don on Saturday nights at the VFW in Prior Lake. She had a passion for socializing, whether it was playing penny poker with extended family or enjoying meals out in her later years. Even after Don passed away in 1996, Lois continued to embrace life, always looking forward to outings with her family.

Lois was deeply devoted to her faith, attending church, participating in church ministries and organizations, including the Council of Catholic Women (CCW), the National Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Prior Lake Auxiliary. Lois was caring, strong yet gentle, generous to a fault, humble and always friendly.

Lois is survived by children, Donna (Willie) Scherer, Rick (Jean Pauly) Monnens, Lindy (Tim Hackert) Stade, Randy Monnens, Kevin (Sue) Monnens, Joe Monnens; daughter-in-law, Kathy Monnens; grandchildren, Brian (Tia) Monnens, Scott (Nicola) Monnens, Jeremy (Kristin Puck) Scherer, Jeff Scherer, Tony Monnens, Jenny Monnens, Kristy (Chris) Breimhorst, Keith (Crystal) Monnens, Matt Mayerhoffer, Allie (Anthony) Rosckes; great grandchildren, Brittany Tompkins, Brianna Stranger, Aria Monnens, Allie Bjorklund, Jack Breimhorst, Autumn Briemhorst, Lillian Mayerhoffer, Macy Mayerhoffer, Ophelia & Eden Rosckes; sister, Mary Lou (Tom) Krueger; other relatives and friends.

Lois is greeting in Heaven by husband, Don; son, Donny Monnens; son-in-law, Terry Hein; daughter-in-law, Renee Monnens; parents; siblings, Joseph Rein Jr., Edward (Betty) Rein, and Annabelle (Bernard) Goehring.

Just knowing that our family and friends are with us makes this journey easier to travel. A special thank you to the staff at Friendship Manor Nursing Home for their care, compassion and love towards Lois. 

Forever grateful! Lois' Family