Lois Carol Nycum

Lois Carol Nycum Brubaker, age 106, of Lanark, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at Parkview Nursing Home in Freeport, Illinois. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 6, at 12:00 noon at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Visitation will take place at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Lanark Cemetery.

Lois Carol was born on August 19, 1919, on a farm near Lanark to Floyd D. and Evelyn (Stitzel) Zuck. Her early childhood was spent on the family farm until age 13, when the family moved into town. She attended Lanark Public Schools, graduating in 1937 as valedictorian of her class, an early reflection of the diligence and determination that would guide her throughout her life.

After high school, Lois began her career as a school secretary, serving faithfully until 1940, when she enrolled at Brown’s College of Commerce in Freeport. Upon completing the Secretarial Course, she became the Executive Secretary–Treasurer of the Agricultural Service Co-op in Carroll County, Mt. Carroll. It was there that she met Frederick F. Nycum, the man who would become her husband. They were married on May 21, 1950, and shared 61 years of devoted marriage until Frederick’s passing on May 24, 2011.

In 1951, Lois began working for Blackhawk Production Credit in Carroll County, where she often remarked that she enjoyed working closely with the farmers of the region. She remained in that role until stepping away to care for her parents during their time of declining health, an act of love and loyalty that defined her character.

Following Frederick’s death, Lois renewed a friendship from her business school days, and on December 16, 2012, she married Donald Brubaker. The couple made their home at Parkview Home in Freeport. Lois continued to reside there after Donald’s passing on January 10, 2016.

Faith was a constant thread throughout Lois’s life. Baptized at age ten in the Church of the Brethren, she later became a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mt. Carroll. After moving to Freeport, she attended Park Hills Evangelical Free Church. Wherever she worshipped, she was a dedicated and supportive member, always interested in the mission and ministry of the church.

Lois was also deeply engaged in her community. She served in numerous capacities within the Carroll County H.C.E. for more than 60 years and was an active member and officer of the Mt. Carroll Community Club. Her commitment to service, fellowship, and civic life enriched the communities she loved.

She and Frederick shared a love of travel, taking many motor trips across the United States and Canada and exploring numerous national parks. Lois also enjoyed music, reading, composing poetry, and spending time with friends. Her life was filled with curiosity, creativity, and a genuine appreciation for the world around her.

Survivors include many nieces, nephews, and cousins from the second and third generations, all of whom cherished her presence and her stories. One of Lois Carol’s fondest memories was greeting a large gathering of relatives and friends at the open house held in her honor for her 100th birthday, a celebration of a life well lived and a testament to the many lives she touched. She continued making friends throughout her long life, always welcoming new connections with warmth and grace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, and many cousins and friends.

Memorials may be given to a church of your choice or to Parkview Home of Freeport, Illinois.