1932-2025
Joseph Louis, 93, was born Oct. 22, 1932, on a farm just south of Dwight, Illinois, the fifth child of Ludwig and Margaret (Goley) Louis. He was a graduate of Saint Paul Catholic High School class of 1950 in Odell, Illinois. Joe worked for Caterpillar Inc. as a crane operator in Joliet, Illinois, for a brief period before serving in the U.S. Army Infantry during the Korean War conflict. Following his honorable discharge in 1954, he attended the University of Illinois where he would receive his B.S. in mechanical engineering.
While attending U of I, and during a visit back home, he met the love of his life, Joyce M. Coughlin. They were married in Kinsman, Illinois, on Sept. 8, 1956. Joe worked his entire career (35 years) for Sundstrand Corporation, initially in Rockford, Illinois, then loading the station wagon with their five kids to transfer to the new factory in Ames. Joe and Joyce remained in Ames until his retirement from Sundstrand in 1993, when they built and moved to their retirement lake home in Panora. They enjoyed their time on Lake Panorama boating, golfing, and teaching their grandchildren water sports. They also enjoyed wintering in Lakeland, Florida. Several years after Joyce passed, Joe relocated to a very nice independent living facility in Leawood, Kansas, in 2024 where his family visited him often.
Joe was always focused on his faith and family, and his interests included golfing, boating, hunting, woodworking and problem solving. He never argued but loved spirited discussions, sometimes stating, “I’m probably telling you more than I know.” Joe was a devoted Catholic, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and eventually joined a veterans’ group in Florida.
Survivors include his five children: Michael (Kim) Louis of Ames; Robert (Diane) Louis of Davenport; Kevin (Ronnie) Louis of Casa Grande, Arizona; Jane Wasel of Scituate, Massachusetts; and Gary (Loretta) Louis of Overland Park, Kansas. He had 14 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his wife of 55 years, Joyce; his parents; his siblings: Mary Margaret (Lee) Masching, John (Kay) Louis, Vince (Jean) Louis, and Louise (Clarence) Masching; and a grandson, Joey Louis.
Services will be held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Panora on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, with visitation at 10:30 a.m. and mass starting at 11:30 a.m. A veteran’s graveside service will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in rural Guthrie Center.
Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with his services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kansas City Hospice House.