It is with profound sadness, yet deep love, that we announce the passing of our dear friend Lois Ann Beerbaum on April 17, 2026.
Lois, age 86, of Dexter Township, MI, peacefully passed away at her home, surrounded by her closest friends who over the years became her family. Born on December 4, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan, she was the daughter of Ernest W. and Eleanor (Griffen) Beerbaum.
Lois had a "Love of Wisdom" and was known for her sharp intellect and tenacious spirit which reflected her many academic accomplishments. As one of the few women in her classes, she faced the "man’s world" of academia with quiet resilience and determination, often telling us her stories of being "the only woman in the classroom." She received her Bachelor’s of Medical Technology from Wayne State University, Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Michigan.
Her education was just the beginning of a life spent breaking barriers. Lois went on to work as a Medical Technologist for over 40 years, retiring from Henry Ford Hospital. She served as the Director of the Medical Technology Program at Eastern Michigan University and was one of the first volunteers at the Wayne County Hope Clinic from 2007-2021, where she ran the Medication Assistance Program at the Wayne Clinic and was an all-around source of information for anything Medicaid or Medicare related. Her friends and volunteers remember her for "her unbelievable memory and the strength, endurance, and compassion of someone half her age." As an ambassador for Hope, Lois invited and encouraged her church organizations and others to volunteer at the Wayne Clinic. She initiated a Thrivent grant for the clinic a number of years ago which enabled the Hope Clinic to get the outside of the building painted and furnished the volunteer work room.
Beyond her professional achievements, she continued her passion for volunteering and helping others, becoming a member of the Dexter and Chelsea Senior Centers, where she continued assisting those in need as a Medicaid and Medicare Counselor, and faithfully attending the Dexter Open Forum Group as the Recording Secretary. Within her first week of moving from Canton Twp. to Dexter Twp. in September 2021, she became extensively involved with her new community. Lois became an active community servant at her local Dexter Township Hall office, becoming a dedicated Election Chair and Election Worker. She was an appointed board member to the Local Roads Committee and Board of Review, and volunteered at the Township’s yearly Cleanup-Day, and weekly Film Plastic collection. Lois also volunteered every Sunday with her close friends collecting polystyrene (styrofoam) and film plastic with Recycling Solutions, Dexter group.
Lois was a lifelong and devoted Lutheran and lived her life as a testament to her faith. She was a longtime member of Peace Lutheran Church and emphasized faith in the Resurrection, the comfort of God's grace, and the hope of eternal life. She spent many years teaching Sunday School, volunteering with her church family, and served as technical coordinator during services.
She will be dearly missed by her special friends who became family: Frank and Sandra Poszywak, with their sons, Dennis (Melissa) Poszywak and family, and Keith (Shannon) Poszywak and family; and Nick and Michelle Stamboulellis, with their sons, Nicholas and Alexander Stamboulellis; and Jay Kauffman.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, and on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Peace Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, MI, with Pastor Kurt Lambart officiating.
Burial will take place at Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock, MI.
Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
