Louis Kemnitz

Louis A. Kemnitz, 96, of Bellaire, Michigan passed away on October 7, 2018.  Louis was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, incredible friend to many, and one of the most kind people on the face of the earth.

Louis had a 40 year career with Illinois Bell Telephone Co. where he started working as a telephone lineman.  After WWII, he returned to work with the Bell System while also attending Northwestern University to earn his engineering degree and later his MBA.  Through this education, along with an incredible work ethic, Louis worked his way up in the ranks of management with Illinois Bell.

Louis was a proud World War II veteran.  He served in the European Theatre with the 94th Infantry Division of Patton’s 3rd Army.  He fought in the Battle of the Bulge as part of Patton’s Ghost Corp.  Locally, Louis was a member of the Bellaire Chapter of the American Legion where he served as chaplain.

Louis was a passionate member of Hope Lutheran church in Bellaire, where he served as recording secretary.

Louis was born on July 23, 1922 in Mokena, IL, the son of Walter and Julia (Walters) Kemnitz.

Louis was preceded in death by his wife Virginia, his second wife Nanette and his siblings Ruth, Alma and Walter.  He is survived by his son Keith (Shelley), grandchildren Jeffrey (Marin) and Cara, and great-grandchildren Jude, Rowan, Toby and Louis.  He is also survived by Nanette’s family – stepdaughter Pam (Frank) Whynot, step grandchildren Deb (Dave) May and Michael (Christina) Conklin, and step great-grandchildren Colin and Spencer May and Ryan and Matthew Conklin.  Louis is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and dear friends.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 13, at 11 am at Hope Lutheran Church, Bellaire with Pastor Wade Seaver officiating. After the funeral service, military honors will take place and a luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.  The family will receive friends Friday, October 12, from 6 to 8 pm at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  At a later date Louis will be interred in Ponte Vedra, Florida where he will join his wife, Virginia.  Memorial Contributions can be given to Hope Lutheran Church, PO BOX 160, Bellaire, MI 49615

Arrangements are being handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook: www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com