Lois A. Rumfelt

She was born in Jamestown, NY on July 28, 1956, to the Rev. S. Kenneth and Marian J. Anderson Arntsen. Her father pastored Zion Lutheran Church, Frewsburg, at the time. His career took their family to Omaha, NE, Niagara Falls, NY and finally to Whitesboro, NY where she graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1974.

Lois attended Utica College of Syracuse University, receiving her License as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in 1977. As a COTA, she worked in Skilled Nursing at the Martin Luther Home in Clinton, NY. She continued her education at Lenoir-Rhyne College, Hickory, NC, graduating in 1982 with a degree in Religious Studies which led to her becoming a professional Associate-in-Ministry of the Lutheran Church in America. She was called in 1983 to serve as Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hagerstown, MD. While there, she met the Rev. Daniel S. Rumfelt at a Christian Education conference. After a yearlong engagement, they married in Hagerstown on May 30, 1987.

Both as a professional and a volunteer, Lois’s lived her life in ministry. At her mother’s “apron strings”, she grew to be a leader in the work of Lutheran Church Women, later Women of the ELCA, at every level of the organization. Lois led numerous Women’s Bible Studies, social ministry endeavors, workshops and women’s gatherings over many decades. She served as newsletter editor for the women’s organization and for the Upstate NY Synod insert to the Lutheran Magazine. She brought her Christian Education skills to each of her husband’s congregational calls, notably in Geneseo, NY, during the development of a new congregation, St. Timothy, Geneseo, where she organized the Sunday School program. Her enthusiasm was infectious as she used her music skills to lead the Children’s Choir and Vacation Bible School.

Lois’s joyful faith shone through her talent as a soprano soloist. In Hagerstown, she earned the nickname “Sparkles” from the choir director. Wherever Dan’s ministry took them, she joined church choirs, including several in the Jamestown area during the two decades Dan served as Chaplain at the Lutheran Home Campus. At Chapel Service every Sunday, Lois sang a solo to the joy of the residents and their families, many of whom came early to listen to her practice with the accompanist. Together, she and Dan also offered numerous musical programs throughout the area.

Throughout their marriage of nearly 39 years, Lois engaged in ministry at her husband’s side and just as strongly in the home. She made their home and life together one to be treasured as beloved soul-mates in Christ. She found deep satisfaction as a meticulous homemaker and as a baker. Joys included personal devotions, reading, exercising, watching orioles at the jelly feeder or deer grazing the lawn in winter.

Lois is survived by her husband, Dan, brother, David (Kathleen) Arntsen, sister-in-law, Susan Arntsen (Clare) Thiem and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Linda Arntsen and brother, Donald Arntsen.

Deep thanks go to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care who supported Lois and Dan through the last three months of her life and her rapid final decline. Day in and day out the gift they bring to our community and its residents is profound.

A Memorial Service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, Frewsburg, NY, March 16, 2026, at 1 PM, followed by light refreshments. Gifts may be made in memory of Lois to Zion Lutheran Church, Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, or to a charity of one’s choice. To share a condolence please visit www.lindfunealhome.com.