Lois Marie Fortier, 70, died on Saturday, August 22, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer at the Thief River Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 PM, Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will follow in St. Bernards Catholic Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM, Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to Mass at the church on Wednesday.

Lois Marie Heinen was born on April 29, 1939 to George and Anna (Schmidt) Heinen at Warroad, MN. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith. She attended Swift elementary school and Warroad High School.

Lois was united in marriage to Max Edward Fortier on August 27, 1955 in St. Marys Catholic Church in Warroad. They made their home in Eveleth, MN for 15 years. To this union 4 children were born. In 1970, they moved to a farm near Roseau, MN. She enjoyed the farm life and did a lot of work on the farm. Lois worked at the Roseau Area Hospital for many years as a dietary assistant and housekeeper. In 1996, Lois and Max moved to Thief River Falls to be closer to their children.

Lois was a member of St. Bernards Catholic Church and was very devoted to her faith. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, flower gardening, reading, and music. She was a generous woman and loved to share her talents by knitting sweaters, mittens, scarves, and crocheting doilies and towels for her family. She always made time to listen and be there for her family and friends.

Lois is survived by 4 children: Brian (Beth) Fortier, Goodridge, MN, Valerie (Kenneth) Mooney, Thief River Falls, MN, Laurie (Lynn) Vad, Nevis, MN, Max Fortier Jr., Detroit Lakes, MN, 8 grandchildren: Tamra (Trevor) Knutson, Jeremiah (Holly) Vad, Jennifer Vad, Rebecca (Satish) Rao, Jacqueline Mooney, Kendra Mooney, Andrew (fiance Amanda Wilhelm) Fortier, Michael Fortier, 6 great grandchildren: McKayla Vad, Hailey Vad, Courtney Vad, Hunter Vad, Riya Rao, Alexana Knutson, 3 siblings: George "Joe" (Harriet) Heinen Jr., Warroad, MN, Shirley Gordon, Eureka, CA, John (Dee) Heinen, Skime, MN, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband Max in 2002, parents, sister Marilyn Moyer, and brother Dean Heinen.

ORGANIST: Kristi LaSalle
CANTOR: Rachel Hanson, Darryl Tveitbak
SONG SELECTIONS: In The Garden, Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, On Eagles Wings, The Lords Prayer
PALLBEARERS: Lois' Grandchildren
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: Lois' Great Grandchildren
READERS: Tamra Knutson, Rebecca Rao
GIFT PRESENTERS: McKayla and Hailey Vad
READERS: Jacqueline Mooney & Kendra Mooney