Louie Lautz

Louis R. “Louie” Lautz, 91, of La Crosse, died on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at the Gundersen Health System of La Crosse.

Louie was born in La Crosse on November 13, 1923, to Ludwig and Alice (Warninger) Lautz. He was a 1941 graduate of La Crosse Central High School and attended La Crosse State College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Louie served as a fighter pilot aboard the U.S.S. Wasp in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Louie married the former Bonnabell “Bonnie” Spears on February 22, 1947. She preceded him in death on March 5, 2001. Louie then married Beverly Bartlett on July 28, 2002.

Louie owned and operated Lautz Orchard in La Crescent for 41 years. He was a member of the Minnesota Fruit Growers Association and once served as the organization’s president. Louie was an avid outdoorsman who basically lived outdoors, while working and for recreation, and was still active in outdoor activities into his late 80’s. He was a long-time member of First Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crosse and was active in several leadership roles at the church and also at Luther High School. Most importantly, Louie was a man of faith and a devoted family man who was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Louie is survived by his wife, Beverly; his children, Paula Ries and her husband, John, of Milwaukee, John Lautz and his wife, Nancy, of West Salem, Fred Lautz and his wife, Mary Jo Brown, of Brookfield, Wis., and Dave Lautz and his wife, Lorie, of La Crosse; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Ruth McKenzie of Gainesville, Fla; many nieces and nephews; and Beverly’s family consisting of her children, Dave (Sue) Bartlett, John Bartlett, and Liz (Rob) Way; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. In addition to his wife, Bonnie, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Harold Lautz; and two sisters, Ramona Lunde and Dolly Langhofer.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am, Saturday, March 7 ^th , at First Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Pastor Richard Pamperin will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Tuition Assistance Fund at First Lutheran School or Luther High School, or to the Wounded Warrior Project.