Louis N. “Louie” Vanden Avond 81, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. He was born April 3, 1942, to Peter and Eleanor (Bins) Vanden Avond. Louie attended SS. Peter & Paul Grade School and graduated from Preble High School in 1960. He served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves and admired the active service of his brothers. Louie attended Sacred Heart Seminary for 2 ½ years, and although he ended up choosing the sacrament of marriage, his strong Catholic faith remained a constant throughout his life. On July 12, 1969, he married Barbara Knaus. The couple was blessed with four children.
Louie completed his machinist apprenticeship at Giddings & Lewis and began a 36-year career as a machinist with Paper Converting shortly after. In his spare time, he enjoyed working in his shop, tending to his garden, reading, building puzzles, and thrift store shopping. He was always ready to lend a hand to family and friends and truly cherished time spent with his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife Barb Vanden Avond; four children, Tom (Amy) Vanden Avond, Dan Vanden Avond, Theresa (Scott) Heggeland, and Joe (Amy) Vanden Avond; eight grandchildren, Andrew (special friend Avery) Vanden Avond, Eric Vanden Avond, Rachel Rabas, Nicole Rabas, Tessa (Jacob) Keller, Jacob Vanden Avond, Ryan Vanden Avond, and Katie Vanden Avond; two brothers, Harold (Rita) Vanden Avond and Jack (Suzy) Vanden Avond, a sister, Mary (Len) Hansen; a brother-in-law, Mark Knaus and a sister-in-law, Carol Knaus; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ralph and Clarence (Lavonne) Vanden Avond; his parents-in-law, Orville and Mildred Knaus; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Carole (Bob) Beerntsen, Larry Knaus, and Mickey Knaus.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:50 a.m. on Thursday, October 5th, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 140 S. Monroe Ave. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the Cathedral with Fr. Brian Belongia and Fr. Joseph Dorner concelebrating. Entombment will be in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Proko-Wall Funeral Home is assisting the family and online condolences may be sent to www.prokowall.com. A memorial fund has been established.
The family extends a special thank you to Dave DeGrave for bringing Louie and Barb communion. Thank you also to St. Vincent Hospital and Unity Hospice for their compassionate care.
Robert J. Walczyk Jr. is serving the family.