Lois Cyrene Bickford, age 95, passed away peacefully in the company of family on December 21, 2020.  A lifelong resident of Superior, WI, she was preceded in death by her biological father Oscar Johnson, adoptive father Michael Teske, mother Edith Teske, sister Beverly Teske, maternal Aunt & Uncle Raymond & Blanche Lundgren, maternal aunt Louise and beloved husband of 31 years, LeRoy Bickford.

Lois was a rich blend of God's blessings; intensely private yet equally open to others, intuitive yet humble, prideful while recognizing her limits, sassy (mostly in her later years) yet respectful.  Like a good wine, her complexity grew with her age.

Lois will be warmly remembered for many things, including her boundless empathy for others, commitment to family and friends, strength in the face of obstacles and love for the Lord.  She was considered a "second mom" by the neighborhood and her children's friends by her warmth and approachability; always a sandwich available at "the Bickford's."  She valued hard work and managed long days working as a full-time teller at Community Bank and Trust while playing a supportive role to Bickford Fuel and Oil, the family business. She was a longtime active member of Hammond Avenue Presbyterian Church, serving in many roles throughout her lifetime.

Lois is survived by her 4 children, son, Michael Bickford (Joyce) of South Range, WI, daughters, Beverly Umland (Arthur) of Hartford, SD, Terri Koskinen and Mary Bickford of Duluth; grandchildren, Angie Brown (Travis) of Duluth, Amy Trossen (Jim) in North St. Paul, MN, Nicholas Bickford (Melissa) of South Range, WI, Amber Umland of Hartford, SD, Renee Umland (Tony) of Humboldt, SD, Dayna House of Hartford, SD, Kelli Brochaw (Zachary) of Kenosha, WI, Kacie Thomas-Vezzosi (Peter) of Kenosha, WI, Karlie Thomas of St. Paul, MN and Jackie Valenti (Anthony) of Olympia, WA; 14 great-grandchildren and special life-long friends Joseph Koehler and late-wife Laurel, Ronald & Elsie Hicks, Ardis Borgh Hafdahl Richard Gonser and Robert Townsend.

Visitation will be from noon until the 1:00 p.m. service Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19 ^th Street, Superior. Reverend Brett Foote will be officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Superior.