Louis “Louie” John Kotlowski, Jr.
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.
Our sincere condolences to the Jean and family on you loss. He was an all around great guy! May God comfort you in this trying time.
Louie was truly a friend to everyone. Rest in peace kind sir. Jean we will get together soon. Hugs to the family during this difficult time.
Shocked to read about Louis passing away. He was a true gentleman and I think that is the highest compliment a man can earn.
Sending sincere condolences to Louie’s family and praying the Lord will comfort you all.
Please accept my condolences on Louie’s passing. He was one of the good ones. May the memories of the love he shared with his family carry you through this difficult time.
Except my deepest sympathy for Louie passing. He was a great friend he fixed a short we had but wouldn’t except no cash , so I bought a huge bottle of his favorite brandy. Anyways im just seeing this notice to late and it makes me sad I couldn’t see my friend for the last time on earth. RIP
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Peace to Jean & family. Good man !
To all of Louie’s Family,
Cherish all the wonderful memories you shared together. May you find peace and smile at these memories. 🙏🙏 So sorry for your loss.
To all of Louis ‘s families May God comfort you in this time of grief. Cherish the memories.
This has to be one of the most beautiful tributes to a wonderful man and his family. May God comfort you during this time.
My deepest sympathy!!! He was always so kind and caring !!! A lot of us kids grew up together in the neighborhood!!!! A lot of fun memories to cherish!!!!’
Am so sorry to see this..Deepest sympathy to all of Louie’s family.
Extending my deepest sympathy to your family in your loss.🙏
So very sorry for your loss. I’m sure there are many memories to cherish. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
So sorry to see this. My condolences on your tremendous loss. Louie was one of Glenn’s favorite people! Hope they have met up in heaven. Joyously reunion among great friends. The obituary and Jane’s FB post was truly amazing. Again, my condolences
Sincere sympathy to Jean and your entire family from ours. Blessings for all of you.
Jean and family, so sorry for your loss, very nice obituary.
Jean, Jane & Roy, Julie & Brent, Casey, Jerik and Louie’s entire family
So, so sorry to hear that Louie has passed.
What a truly good man he was and he will be missed by so many….family and friends.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you…..condolences to all of you.
I’m sure we all have many wonderful memories of Louie (even small ones) and we hope these help bring you through this very difficult time. And yes, it’s ok to laugh at some cute memories….Louie would probably laugh too!
May God wrap his arms around all of you, and bring you comfort and eventually some peace. Speak of Louie often….and use his name…it really does help. Thinking of you all and knowing how hard this is, but knowing this pain will ease with time.
Rest in Peace Louie…. until we meet once again. Love and Hugs to you all ❤️🙏
Deepest sympathies to Jean and family, and to his siblings on Louie’s passing. We were close friends in high school, he was a very special person – kind and compassionate to everyone. The last time I saw him was at our Class of 1966 50th reunion in 2016. It was so good to connect with him again. RIP Louie as you are now in your heavenly home…
Louis will be deeply missed by our family. He was so welcoming when Kirk first started at ACEC. He would always have something to say or a story to tell. He would also have a huge wave when he saw us out walking with the kids. He was truly one of a kind.
Louie’s obituary says it all, what a full and happy life he had. I especially enjoyed the past few years getting photos of Louie and Jean, Trez and Char from their dinners out — a lot of special memories, lots of shared time!
Dear Jean and family, We are so sorry for your loss. We know Louie had many challenges with his health in the last few years. He was always a fun and loving guy to be around, and he had quite a sense of humor ! He loved his family so. May Louie rest in peace, with that great smile on his face in heaven. Our prayers and condolences to you and family.
God Bless, Jack and Brenda
Our condolences to your family. My husband Bob Andrew remembers playing basketball against Lou. May he RIP.
Jean, I’m so sorry to hear about Louis, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Dear Jean and Family,
It grieved us to hear about Louie passing away, and we are keeping You and Your Family in our thoughts and prayers as You go through this time of sorrow.
Take Care and May The Lord Comfort
and strengthen You in His Love and Tender Mercies!!!
Lennard A. Wilson
I was Louie’s classmate at A-F high and although I only made it back for the 10 yr reunion remeber those days. So very sorry for this loss and happy for the leagacy shared with us in this announcment.RIP Louie and be strong surviviors.
Our condolences to the family, so many memories.
My deepest condolences to you, Jean, and girls, Jane and Julie! My prayers will be with you during this difficult time!
So sorry for your loss , our deepest condolences .
To the family: Although I do not know all of you I did know Louis. One of my great friends all through school . The man is a legend, a fellow service man and most of all a wonderful friend. Although we did not see each other for many years at a time when we did it was like it was 1965. There are so many, stories from those early early years I can only imagine the stories from the rest of his life time. I will miss his calls and texts several times a year but always on veterans day and memorial day. Louis, rest in peace. Prayers to all the families.
I remember Louie best as our class President our Senior year. His outgoing nature, big smile, GREAT LEADERSHIP, will be missed. Sincere Condolences to Family and Friends.
Wayne,Bonnie and LuAnn,
We were sorry to hear of Louie’s passing. We both have very fond memories of our years growing up in Adams Friendship and knowing your family. I remember coming to your house Bonnie and having a great time together, walking to school in the freezing winter, suffering through year end tests just to name a few. Jim remembers playing basketball with the upper classmen and all the games in that little gymnasium. It was a simple life but good to look back at.
Sending prayers for comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
With much affection
Helen and Jim Hintz
Jean and family, so sad to hear about Louie. He was a wonderful person to be around, whether golfing, bowling or at the bar. One of the fun times was our golf outing to Arizona. Carol enjoyed working with him at the REA. He will be missed.
Our sincere sympathy to the family.
My condolences to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Speed Louis, you were a Hoot !
My heart goes out to all of you. He will surely be missed.
We are so saddened to hear this news. He was one of “the best”. Everyone who knew him had love for him. My daughter Tammy adored him. My deceased father-in-law, Pud, loved him and spent alot of fun times with him. That’s just a few of my family. He shared alot of love for so many. Sending hugs to the whole family. He left a lot of people with great memories. God’s Blessings
Jean and family, our thoughts and prayers are will you all. Louie was most definitely one of the best. Always had a caring touch to all he encountered. He will be missed by so many, but waiting to see us again, RIP in peace Louie, friends, Dennis & Judy
Louie was indeed. Friend to all who knew him. He is already missed by so many . Condolences to all of his family.
Sorry for your families loss. He was always so friendly and kind. Truly a good man .Rip Louie Louie Lu eye .
We are very sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy.
We are very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. He lived a great life. Keep the memories and stories close.
Louie was always a great friend dad to be around. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We’ll be lifting you all in our prayers & sending hugs.
Sincere sympathy on your family’s loss💔
Jean so sorry of Louie passing. He always made sure to call and thank me for my service. He will surely be missed. He made sure that the class of 66 new what was going with reunions. We will all miss him!RIP
Jean, Julie and to all the rest of the family. Such good memories of Louie. We got to meet him and Jean through sports when he came to see Casey’s games. He was there in rain, snow or the blazing sun. Always had a smile on his face. May you all remember the great memories of him to help you at this time. Hugs to you all.
heartbreaking. such a kind wonderful man. he so dearly loved his family & you always knew it. a joyful soul who will be remembered forever within the hearts of family, friends & all who remembers. ❤️🙏 hugs to all his family.
Condolences to the family. 💔
Am sending love and hugs Julie. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a good man♥️
Sorry for your family’s loss, prayers and thoughts.
Sending condolences Julie!! Your dad was an amazing man and loved you deeply. Flags will fly high in his honor!! May God wrap his loving arms around you all as you go through this heartbreaking time. 🙏🏻
Im so sorry Julie. We had so fun with your dad at the Christmas parties at the bar. He always had Miami Dolphins presents for me. Ill miss him. Love to you and your family.
Luigi, you will be greatly missed by everyone who knew you. I enjoyed working with you and being your friend all these years. Rest in peace my friend, until we meet again.