Lois Mae Auringer

Lois Mae Auringer, née Olson, of Austin, Minnesota, passed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the age of 93.

Lois was born to Martin and Eleanor Olson, née Meyer, on March 30, 1932, in St. James, Minnesota. She was baptized on May 31, 1932, and confirmed her faith in Jesus Christ on June 16, 1946, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. James.

Lois met her beloved husband, Eugene (Gene) Auringer in her hometown. They married on June 6, 1954. They were blessed with five children, Brian, Gail, Mark, Lynn, and Jason. When Mark was little, the family moved to Austin. Lois and Gene shared nearly 68 years together and were seldom seen apart.

The Lord blessed Lois with an angelic voice and a servant heart. She began singing at an early age and was a vocal soloist at many weddings and funerals throughout her life. In her early life, she taught Sunday school and was a Walther League member. She continued to sing in church choir and became an active member of Ladies Aid LWML, in which she held office. She was talented at counted cross stitch (AKA crossly counted stitches).

Lois was a homemaker for many years. Later she worked as a clerk for the WIC Program at the Austin Courthouse.

Most importantly, Lois had an unwavering faith in God. She lived a life rooted in faith and devoted to Christ. She shared her faith through kindness, compassion, and trust in God’s plan.

Survivors include children, Brian (Paula) Auringer of Mantorville, MN, Gail (Rodney) Jefferson of Coon Rapids, MN, Lynn (Greg) Handzel of Tallahassee, FL, and Jason (Karla) Auringer of Wentzville, MO; daughter-in-law, Sandy Auringer of Austin, MN; 16 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Auringer; parents, Martin and Eleanor Olson; son, Mark Auringer; and brother, Norman Olson.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Memorials are preferred to St. John’s Lutheran Church of Austin, MN, Lutherans for Life Lutheran Church Extension Fund, or The Lutheran Hour. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.