Lois A. Dolezal, 68, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at 1:59 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at her home.

She was born on September 29, 1957, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a daughter of Robert Eugene and Eleanor M. (Dawson) VanHorn.  Lois grew up in Monroeville and graduated from Heritage High School in 1975.  An outstanding typist, she competed in the National Typing Contest.  She continued her education at Ivy Tech and earned a degree in Respiratory Therapy.

On September 12, 1986, she married Anthony M. Dolezal. They made their home in Fort Wayne, living there for a decade before moving to rural Columbia City, where they have lived for over 30 years.

With her typing skills, she first worked for Lincoln Life in Fort Wayne.  Lois then dedicated her life to caring for others, working at the VA Hospital before spending 42 years as a Respiratory Therapist at Lutheran Hospital. She was a member of the VFW Hall 5582 in Columbia City and American Legion Post 98.

Lois was known for being an excellent cook, especially when it came to baking. She had great affection for her dogs, leaving behind her Australian Shepherd, Duke.  Lois was an avid Purdue Boilermaker and a Chicago Cubs fan. While she enjoyed some outdoor hobbies such as gardening, Lois was also very fond of staying in and spending time with her husband, Tony.  The couple delighted in date nights at the VFW or Legion Post, especially for Whiskey Wednesdays.

Lois is survived by her husband of 39 years, Tony; her siblings, Denny VanHorn of Monroeville, Jean (Ken) Castleman of Monroeville, Linda (Paul) Laulette of Mascotte, Florida, Nora VanHorn of Newberry, Oregon, Betty (Steve) Zollner of Terre Haute, and Jack VanHorn of Houston, Texas; as well as many special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Roger VanHorn and Roy VanHorn.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday (June 3rd) at St Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S Line St, Columbia City with a Celebration of Life to follow at American Legion Post 98, 430 W Business 30, Columbia City.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.