Lois Jean Vonderheide

With determination and an unwavering spirit, Lois Jean Vonderheide, age 89 of Mattoon, IL, left this world to be with her Creator on February 18, 2025, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, IL, surrounded by her devoted husband and beloved family. A woman of strength, vision, and deep faith, Lois built a life centered on love, service, and leadership. A funeral Mass will be held in her honor at 11:00 AM, Monday, February 24, 2025, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church located at 320 N. 21St Street, Mattoon, IL 61938. A committal service will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mattoon, IL. The visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM, Sunday evening, February 23, 2025, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. A vigil Rosary service will be performed prior to the visitation at 2:30 PM at the funeral home. Born on June 11, 1935, in St. Louis, MO, to Clay and Helen Bording, Lois carried with her the values of hard work and resilience. She first married Paul Lindemann, with whom she shared precious years before his passing in 1959. Together, they were blessed with a daughter, Roxanne, and two sons, Clifford and Michael. Lois found love again, uniting her life and young family with Raymond Vonderheide on February 1, 1964. Together, they built a loving partnership spanning 61 years, recently celebrating their anniversary with a family dinner at their home. Lois possessed a keen business sense and entrepreneurial spirit that shaped the Mattoon community. She founded and successfully operated Just Jeans, The Open Door, and Bressler’s Ice Cream at Cross County Mall, establishing local businesses that provided jobs and community connections. Her leadership extended beyond business as she was an active force in civic life, holding leadership roles in the American Business Women’s Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and the local tourism committee. She played a key role in organizing Bagelfest, a signature Mattoon event, and was elected to the Mattoon City Council, serving as finance commissioner. Her efforts helped improve air quality in the city by ending the practice of leaf burning, leaving a lasting impact on the community she loved. Beyond her professional achievements, Lois was a woman of service and deep faith. A longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church, she and Ray dedicated countless hours to helping others, embodying the values of compassion and generosity. A lover of life’s joys and a glass of wine, Lois cherished time with family and friends, whether traveling the world with Ray during his career with Morton Buildings or enjoying Thursday night dinners at the Country Club. She was a life-long St. Louis Cardinals fan, a dedicated follower of Fighting Illini Basketball, and found excitement in American Flat Track Motorcycle Racing. She also had a sharp mind for strategy and loved playing bridge with dear friends. Above all, family was Lois’s greatest joy. She was deeply proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, celebrating their successes and nurturing their dreams. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength through those who will carry her spirit forward: her husband, Ray; daughter Roxanne (Larry) Lilly, Mattoon; sons Cliff (Desra) Lindemann, Bluford, IL and Mike (Liz) Lindemann, Champaign, IL; grandchildren Angie (Kent) Niebrugge, Teutopolis, IL; Brandon (Lydia) Lindemann, Deltona, FL; Kristin (Nick) Daniels, Mattoon; DeAirdra Lindemann Dagg, Fairfield, IL; Briena (Mark) McKay, Mattoon; Laura Lindemann and Allison Lindemann, Champaign, IL; Rachel Lindemann, Los Angeles, CA; and Alex Lilly, Mattoon; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Dorothy Bording of St. Louis, MO. Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Clay and Helen Bording; her brothers Clay, Gary, and Cliff Bording; her sister-in-law Jeri Bording; and her first husband, Paul Lindemann. Lois Jean Vonderheide’s determination, faith, and love for others shaped every aspect of her remarkable life. She will be remembered not only for what she accomplished but for the lives she touched and the legacy of strength and service she leaves behind. Memorials in her honor may be made Willow Breeze Hospice House, 1000 Health Center Drive, Mattoon, IL 61938 or Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice, 1004 Health Center Drive, Mattoon, IL 61938. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

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Lois Jean Vonderheide

June 11, 1935 - February 18, 2025