Louis John Kotlowski, Jr., “Louie”

Louis John Kotlowski, Jr., “Louie”, made his Lambeau Leap from this life on May 31st, 2026. Louie was born in Stanley, Wisconsin on July 8th, 1948 to Louis and Loretta Kotlowski. The family later relocated to Adams-Friendship where Louie remained until his passing.

His legacy, stories from friends and family, interests and expertise could fill volumes. Louie was known for his sense of humor, his love of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, golf, a good Brandy Old Fashion Sour, doling out nicknames, collecting lost baits by the local waterways, making and maintaining friendships, his kind heart and fierce love for his family.

Louie graduated from Adams-Friendship HS in 1966. His name is proudly displayed on the gym wall as one of the top scoring basketball players in A-F history. His love and prowess for sports carried over to fatherhood coaching his daughter Julie’s basketball team and her friends in the off season. He could be seen wrangling boys in the dugout while his son-in-law Brent coached his Grandson Jerik’s baseball team, “The Bad News Bears”, or on the end of the bench while Julie coached his granddaughter Casey’s basketball team.

Louie attended the University of Stevens Point for 2 years. He was part of the UWSP Basketball team prior to suffering an injury. Louie joined the United States Army in 1968, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam war, stationed in Germany during his service as Military Police. Louie was honorably discharged from his service to our country in 1974. He often told stories of the friends he made during this time and the shenanigans they got into “over there”.

Louie worked as an electrical lineman for Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative for 41 years prior to his retirement in July of 2010. He made, and maintained, many friendships from his time at the “REA”. He traveled countless miles on the back country roads with his partners who he spoke fondly about and maintained contact with. Each one had a special nickname that they are known as to this day. He was dedicated to ensuring that electrical services were restored expediently so that “the single mom down the road could take care of her kids”. His empathy and care for others drove this dedication to his work.

He had unwavering, unconditional love and was immensely proud of his two grandchildren, Casey Louise Goers “Lou Lou” and Jerik Eugene Goers “The Boy”. They were greeted with a $20 bill and a hug from Grandpa after every game, concert or event. He rarely missed out on any of their activities, especially athletics. Casey and Jerik’s teammates still refer to him as “Grandpa Louie”. Jerik will graduate from UW “Stevenski Pointski” in the fall and Louie was incredibly proud of this. Casey Lou was the apple of his eye. He instilled in them the importance of family and being “good people”. Louie always thanked Julie for giving him the loves of his life.
Grandpa was your #1 fan – he loves you high as the sky!

Louie and “His wife Jean” met at the Corn and Tater festival in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin in 1971 after his return home from military service and starting his career as a lineman at ACEC. They were married in 1973 and Louie had an instant family with Jean and his step-daughter Jane. They gave birth to their daughter Julie in January of 1975 to complete their family. Louie and Jean enjoyed many activities together throughout their 53 year marriage. Golfing, bowling, camping with their dogs “Up North”, Polka Festivals, and spending time with friends. Louie built a garage that housed his “Man Cave” and in recent years he could be found there most of the time having a Brandy and watching a game.

Louie loved animals. Stories were told of him bringing “strays” home even in his youth. Louie and Jean had a multitude of pets over the years – dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, hamsters and Guinea pigs. Some of these were found by Louie while he was out working in rural areas. Each and every fur baby was special to him. His cat Snowball was found behind his home and became a loving companion to him with a home in his garage the past few years.

Louie made many close friends over the years and made an effort to stay in contact with them all. The garage was always open to visitors where quality time and good conversations were held. His son-in-law Roy (Jane) popping over frequently for a beer and a visit after work. Lively discussions were had with his son-in-law Brent (Julie), a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, over who was the greatest team of all time. The Packers of course (wink).

Louie had extreme love for his family. Daily check-ins with his sisters Bonnie and Luanne and his brother Wayne . Each and every niece, Krista “Krista Lynn”, Kim “Kimmer”, Lisa “Peaches” and Denise “Neiser”, held a special place in his heart. He had immense love for all of his grand-nieces and nephews. He was blessed to have a step-daughter Jane who showered him with sports memorabilia at holidays. Jane was his daughter in every sense of the word.

Louie shared a special bond with his daughter Julie “Bug”. He instilled in her a love of nature, music, animals, kindness, work ethic, love for family, empathy for others and his favorite sports teams – The Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Louie would take many random days off of work to attend games with Julie at Milwaukee County Stadium throughout her youth. Julie’s first Lambeau Field experience was in attendance with Louie witnessing the Packers win the division title for the first time in 23 years in 1995. They spent many hours together walking along the shores of nearby lakes “bait hunting”. Julie was his daughter, confidant and nurse. Louie was Julie’s coach, mentor, confidant, father and best friend.

Louie is survived by his wife Jean, His Daughter Julie Goers (Brent), Step-daughter Jane Gervais (Roy), Brother Wayne Kotlowski (Diane), Sister Bonnie Kobs (Dennis), Sister Luanne Peters, Granddaughter Casey Goers, Grandson Jerik Goers. He was preceded in death by his Father Louis John Kotlowski, Sr, his Mother Loretta Smith, Sister Martha Wasleski and his niece Denise Louise Kobs.

Louie worked hard, always on Lombardi time, played hard and most of all he loved hard. His legacy will be that love. He would ask that everyone treat others with kindness, empathy and compassion – Love like Louie!

A Celebration of Life for Louie will be held at the Mound View Golf Course in Friendship, WI on Saturday July 11th from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Military Honors and a prayer service will be performed at 2:00 PM.