Louis A. "Louie" Kittilstad, 91, of Eau Claire, died on Sunday, March 27, 2011 at the Clairemont Nursing Home. He was born on November 7, 1919 in Eau Claire, to Clarence and Gladys Kittilstad.\r\nLouis married Eleanor R. Michaelson on October 12, 1939. They were married for 65 years, until her death in 2005.\r\nLouie graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School and then served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He later co-owned Day-Kittilstad Music Store in Eau Claire. After his career at the music store, he worked at Muldoons and various other men's clothing stores.\r\nHe was an umpire for baseball and softball for over 20 years, earning him Umpire-of-the-Year in 1981 and induction into the Wisconsin Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame.\r\nAt age 15 Louie began as a drummer for his high school band, allowing his musical career to follow through into his late 80's. He played with many groups including George Day Trio and Conrad Johns Orchestra.\r\nLouie enjoyed golfing, bowling and cheering for the Green Bay Packers. \r\nHe is survived by two sons, Larry (Vera) Kittilstad, of Mukwonago and Richard Kittilstad, of Osseo; three grandchildren, Scott (Rhonda) Kittilstad, of Waukesha, Paul (Gina) Kittilstad, of Eau Claire and John (Sue) Kittilstad, of Brookfield; and eight great-grandchildren.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor; brother, Theodore Kittilstad and sister, Twylah Nichols.\r\nVisitation will be Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 3-5 p.m. at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. Eau Claire. Burial will be at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire.\r\nMemorials are preferred to the Parkinson's Foundation or Alzheimer's Association.

Service Information