Louis F. Kelsey

Louis F. Kelsey, 85, of Eau Claire, went to Heaven on Thursday, May 5, 2016, while staying at Oakwood Villa in Altoona, WI, for a short time. Louie was born in Oxford, WI, on June 6, 1930, a son of Jefferson and Ella (Bowen) Kelsey. He had six siblings, Don (Winnie), Eva (Donald), Rosemary, Jeff (Janet) and Larry (Elizabeth). All were born during the Great Depression. Louie attended high school in Oxford, where he met Ramona Wait, fell in love and were married in October 1952, in Adams, WI. He often told people he graduated from ‘Oxford’! Lou and Mona had four children, Pam (Bill Delalley), Mark (Eva), Jann (John Schmitz) and Jill. He is survived by all. He was also blessed, as well as his grandchildren were blessed to have such a role model throughout their lives, Joshua Emberson, Jacob Emberson (Suzanne), Hillary (Jeremiah Nuenke), Hannah Emberson, Josiah Emberson, Nikki (Brandon Schmidt), Renee (FI: Kevin Swenson), Kelsey Schmitz (FI: Jeromy Sonne), Michael Schmitz and Keaton Lyons. Louie was a Principal and school teacher in Fall Creek, WI, until 1968, in Cubero, an Indian Village in New Mexico, in 1969, then back home again where he eventually retired after teaching and being the principal of both Little Elk Creek and Downsville Elementary Schools…..Literally instructed and positively influenced the lives of thousands of children and their parents. A fair man, devoted teacher, father and friend. Dad was always looking for his next Cribbage match and many learned the skills he would patiently teach to play the game. In addition to ‘his’ game, he was intrigued by birds. In order to keep up with the school systems wishes for teachers to pick an extra-curricular summer activity for kids, he chose the study of birds and their habitat and song and made learning fun with spectacular field trips and ‘hunts’. His class was ALWAYS filled first, prompting many eager learners to beg him for another class. If he could, he did! He lost the lives of both parents, his beloved, Mona, and all but two siblings. He is also survived by twelve great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and some of the best long-time friends that any person could hope to have in their lives. To “Hear the rest of the Story”, wear something blue with flowers and/or birds and join us in celebrating Louie’s life at his Memorial Service that will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2016, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. in Eau Claire, with Quinten Nelson officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Eau Claire.

Service Information

Cemetery

St. John's Lutheran Cemetery
Omaha St.
Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Monday, May 9 2016
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Service

Monday, May 9 2016
2:30 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703