Lois Audrey Fernkes

Lois Audrey Fernkes (Visser) passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, in San Diego, CA. Born on April 3, 1931, in Olivia, Minnesota where she was the youngest of William and Verona Visser’s, four children.

At the remarkable age of 16, Lois graduated from high school. After graduating, she left Olivia, to pursue a job in Minneapolis joining her sister Lorraine and she began a new chapter exchanging rural life for city life.

In May 1954, Lois married Bob Fernkes, who had grown up in a neighboring town, Bird Island, MN. As newlyweds, they moved to Los Angeles, where they briefly stayed with Bob’s sister. They bought their first home in Gardena, California, making it their home for 15 years before moves to Santa Ana and finally San Diego, where they bought their forever home.

Lois began with a job at the telephone company (AT&T) in Minneapolis. Years later, she worked in retail cosmetics, where she found satisfaction in helping women feel their best. Lois was always impeccably dressed and up to date with the latest fashions.

Sports held a special place in Lois’s heart. A steadfast San Diego Padres fan to the very end, she followed the team closely. Her knowledge of players, coaches, and owners was impressive. Bob and Lois had season tickets for years, and they attended games at both Qualcomm and PETCO PARK. After Bob passed, Mike continued the tradition of attending live games with mom.

Lois is survived by her three children: Deborah Fernkes Anderson (Edward), Michael Fernkes (Natalie) and Lisa Fernkes Espinoza (Eddy). Lois’s legacy lives on with 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a niece, Diane Visser on the maternal side as well as many nieces and nephews on the Fernkes side.

Lois was predeceased by her husband: Robert M Fernkes (2005); her parents: William and Verona Visser; sisters: Joyce and Lorraine Visser; and a brother: Bill Visser (Marie).

Viewing: Featheringill Mortuary, 6322 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115   Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 6-7pm, we will recite the rosary from 7-7:30pm

Funeral Mass: St Therese Catholic Church.   6400 St Therese Way San Diego, Ca 92120    Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 11am

Burial to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery 4470 Hilltop Drive San Diego, CA 92102

The family requests in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Sharp HospiceCare at sharp.com/inmemoryof. Hospice was invaluable to us in mom’s last days.