Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan.17, 2026, at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Columbus. Visitation is Friday at the church from 4-7:00 p.m. with a 7 p.m. vigil service, also at the church. Graveside services are 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Holy Family Cemetery in Lindsay.

Lois was born Jan. 5, 1935, in Lindsay, Neb., to Sam and Emma (Haffley) Delp. She attended school in Battle Creek through the 9th Grade and in 1950 moved to Omaha where she graduated from South High School in 1953. Lois worked as a bookkeeper for Omaha Paint & Glass Company until her marriage. Growing up, Lois spent time in the summer at her cousin’s farm near Battle Creek where she developed a love for farm life.

Lois met the love of her life, Duane Backes, at a dance at Kings Ballroom in Norfolk. They were married on August 11, 1954 at Holy Family Parish in Lindsay. It was a lively daylong event at Duane’s parent’s family farm. Their union was blessed with 5 children. She and Duane devoted their lives to raising their family and to farming in the Lindsay area.

Lois was actively involved in the Lindsay community and the Holy Family Parish. She was a member of the Parish Council, Ladies Guild, Choir, and the American Legion Auxiliary and spent many hours supporting the parish plant project. She was also proud to serve as a volunteer at her local Madison County voting precinct.

Lois valued education and was a lifelong learner, known to get engrossed in a good book and lose track of time. She also took many classes including cake decorating, baking, crocheting, and computer skills. She enjoyed working in her yard and tending to her flowers and vegetables. She canned and froze much of her produce. The kitchen was her happy place where she cooked and baked with love. Her famous overnight cake, cinnamon rolls, chicken noodle soup and fried chicken were always big hits. So much so, that family members were known to snitch and hide her treats before they were gone so they could enjoy them later!

While she devoted much of her time to working on the farm, Lois also loved spending time socializing with her and Duane’s circle of friends and neighbors including card clubs, her birthday lunch club, and other gatherings. Lois’ pride and joy was her family. She was happiest when surrounded by them, and especially loved her grandkids and great grandkids. She would spend weeks preparing for and making family gatherings special. There was always an overabundance of her excellent cooking and everyone

went home stuffed and feeling special.

Lois was a kind, caring, and patient soul. She and Duane created a safe, loving, and supportive home that allowed their family to thrive. Many family members, friends, and neighbors benefited from their caring nature and generosity. Lois was very devoted to Duane and together they made a great team and led a meaningful, prosperous, and happy life.

Lois is Survived by: Son Steve (Cindi) Backes of Lindsay

• Grandchildren Sam (Mary) Backes, Jessica (Patrick) Mahoney, and Tim (Taylor) Backes Daughter Sue (Lyle) Pfeifer of Longmont, Colo.

• Grandchildren Emily (Allen Swanson) Pfeifer, Scott Pfeifer, and Zach Pfeifer Daughter Julie (Joe) Hendrickson of Evergreen, Colo.

Son Jim Backes of Lawrence, Kan.

• Grandchildren Alison (Trent) Scott, Anna Backes, and Ben Backes Daughter Jennifer (Jeff) Martensen of Humphrey

• Grandchildren Mikayla Martensen, Rachel Martensen, and Joshua Martensen 11 Great-grandchildren Husband Duane family members: Sisters Joan Kurtenbach, Marilyn Haney, Joyce Weiser Brothers Ken (Janie) Backes, Bill (Ginnie) Backes of Milford Lois is preceded in death by: Parents Sam & Emma Delp Husband Duane Backes Granddaughter Katie Martensen Brothers Duane Delp and Richard Delp, Sister-in-law Roberta Delp Husband Duane’s family: Siblings Sr. Edna Backes, Carolyn Cielocha, Earl Backes, Jackie Backes, Dave Backes Brothers-in-law Ken Cielocha, Bill Kurtenbach, Bill Haney, Ervin Wieser Sister-in-Law Lenore Backes www.mckownfuneralhome. com