Lola Gonia

Lola Ann Gonia, age 87, was born on February 18, 1938, in Cambria, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Albert and Alice (Durrant) Kuphal. She was united in marriage to Elmer E. Gonia on November 21, 1970. Lola was a devoted member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and lived a life rooted in service, generosity, and love.

Lola was deeply involved in her community. She was a proud member of the V.F.W.A. #1908, where she served as past president and treasurer, and a longtime member of the M.O.C.A. #22, serving as past president, secretary, and treasurer. She was also a member of the Novelty Salt and Pepper Shaker Club, founding the Wisconsin Chapter and serving as its first president and treasurer. Over the years, many also knew her through groups such as the Red Hats and other local organizations.

For nearly 40 years, Lola worked as a cook and dishwasher in restaurants along Main Street, serving countless people with the same care and warmth she showed everyone in her life. Her final place of employment was the Tudor House.

Above all else, Lola loved people. She had a heart that was always open and a desire to help others, even if it sometimes meant bustling around the kitchen or insisting on lending a hand. She never let anyone leave without a hug, a kiss, and the reassurance that they were loved. And everyone knew it-because she lived it. Everything Lola did was done with love. That love is her true legacy, and it will never fade.

Lola is survived by two stepsons, Greg (Rani) Schroeder and Jeff (Theresa) Gonia; one stepdaughter, Tina Gonia; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elmer Gonia, in 2000; two sisters, Mildred (Bob) Kluwin and Marjorie (Earl) Stafford; one brother, Edward (Marion) Kuphal; two nieces, Lyneda Kluwin and Shirley Hoft; and one nephew, Thomas Kluwin.

A time of visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes East, 402 Waugoo Avenue, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and again on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 808 North Main Street, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Lake View Memorial Park.

Rest in peace, dear Lola Gonia. May you find eternal peace in the arms of the angels. Your love lives on in all who were blessed to know you.