Alton, Lois Jewell

Lois Jewell Alton, age 89 of Linden, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her three daughters on Sunday, January 11, 2026 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Lois was born to Fred and Fern Caygill at the Caygill farm in Linden on May 6, 1936. Following graduation from Linden High School in 1954, Lois married Philip “Binks” Alton on April 16, 1955, in Linden. They were blessed with 59 years of marriage.

For 20+ years, Lois was the best stay-at-home mom. She was later recruited by a good friend to work at Photoland Studios, a job she loved. For the next 26 years, she worked at Lands’ End, before retiring as a Specialty Shopper. Her hobbies included gardening, playing Kings Corners, sharing sweet treats with anyone who visited, trips to “the boat” in Dubuque, attending any and all activities and sporting events her family were involved in (especially for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren), and being a fan of Packers, Brewers and Badgers. Lois was a very active member of the Linden United Methodist Church and the Linden American Legion Auxiliary and served on several committees and boards.

Lois was a true matriarch, nurturer, and caretaker. She enjoyed a special unique bond with each family member and treasured all family gatherings—her love for family had no limits. She was always finding ways to make the world a better place—caring for friends, neighbors, and even strangers (who then became friends). She spent countless hours outside tending her yard and flowers and just generally keeping the neighborhood looking great, always happy to take a break to talk to friends and acquaintances. Everyone knew they were welcome to stop in for a coffee and a visit. Never one to seek out attention or admiration for herself, Lois was always looking for a way to help. She was happiest when she was helping others. Her impact and love will continue to be felt by family and friends, near and far. She leaves behind a vast network of family and friends who were blessed to have her in our lives.

Survivors include three children, Dixie (Randy) Edge and Kristy (Robert) Spurley, both of Linden, and Robin (Steven) Wienkers of Cedarburg. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Dennise (Adam) Ross of Waupaca; Anthony Edge of New Glarus; Aaron (Hannah) Edge of Fitchburg; Ryan Spurley of Linden; Philip (Sarah) Spurley of Cottage Grove; Kyle (Molly) Spurley of Cuba City; Justin (Alex) Wienkers-Alvendia of Los Angeles, CA; Mary Wienkers of Fitchburg; and Stephanie Wienkers of Denver, CO; eleven great-grandchildren, Alton, Addison, Kaycin, Lux, Brynnlee, Nash, Booker, Bodhi, Autumn, Nathan, and Calum. Lois is also survived by brother, Jack Caygill; sister-in-law, Nancy Caygill; and brother-in-law, Eddie Elmore; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip “Binks” Alton; her son, Dennis; her parents, Fred and Fern Caygill; her father- and mother-in-law, Byron and Ocea Alton; her brothers and sisters, Karen Bennett, Jeanette Otteman, Thomas Caygill, William Caygill, and David Caygill; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Dave Bennett, Vincent Otteman, Billie Caygill, Darlene Caygill, and Margaret Caygill; as well as Kerwin “Bud” and Flo Alton; Ralph and Katie Steele; Harry and Marge Swanson; Norman and Betty Ketchum, and Joan Elmore; and many family friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Upland Hills Home Health and Hospice nurses—Rachel, Sueann, and the entire team who cared for Lois— for their compassionate care and kindness.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2026 at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville. Friends and family may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Linden United Methodist Church, the Iowa-Grant School Lunch Fund, Second Harvest Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers 

Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com