Lois (Wilma) Wise

The Danville community has lost “the energy behind the philanthropic support for many charitable organizations.” Due to “the close relationship she shared with the late Julius W. Hegeler II” Lois Wise devoted 20 years as secretary to the Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation. “The foundation was established in 1992 to support disabled children, local hospitals, local schools, community events and preservation of local landmarks.”

Lois was born in Chicago Heights on June 22, 1929, to John and Lillian (Burton) Myers. She moved to Danville in 1965 and made it her home for the remainder of her life. She is survived by her brother Carl G. Myers of Champaign, two nieces Pamella (Laurent) Gasquet and Lorri (John) Hausman and one nephew Dirk (Rajeshwari) Myers. She is also survived by three great nieces and a great nephew as well as one step niece and two step nephews. She was finally blessed with seven grandnephews and one grandniece.

She had held positions at former grocery stores in the area, as well as Old National Bank and Burnside Investments. She never let her aversion of math get in the way of her career path.

Lois loved nothing better than decorating a beautiful home and hosting parties. Her sense of fashion was reflected in everything in her life from clothes to décor. She also enjoyed the Danville Symphony Orchestra and even served on their board. In fact, she had served on seven different boards in Danville.

Lois was blessed with a lovely “family” of friends that were there for her whenever she needed them but were also regular weekly dinner guests. You know someone is a truly good person when they can inspire such goods friendships.

(Anything in quotes was taken from a lovely article in the Danville Public School Foundation News from February 2025.)

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday December 6, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61834. A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

Please join Lois’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834 is honored to be caring for the family.