Louis Andree

Louis Andree epitomized the best of the American spirit: he proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, he loved the great outdoors and was a member of Laketon Bethel Reformed Church; but most importantly, he was a loving husband, dedicated father, proud grandfather and steadfast brother. Louis was a man who cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them while sharing much love and laughter. Louis was born in Muskegon, Michigan on July 31, 1931, during a difficult time in American history, the Great Depression. Despite the economic hardships of the era, Louiss parents, Fred and Beatrice (Orshal) Andree, provided a stable home for him and his brother, Earl, and two sisters, B. Jean and Mary Beth, who died when she was 2 . His father worked at a grocery store with his brother, and his mother was employed at Teledyne Continental Motors. However, his father was plagued with health problems at a young age and eventually couldnt work anymore. Louis and his brother, Earl, were 19 months apart in age, but like two peas in a pod. They were inseparable from childhood on always doing things together. When their father was sick, they did whatever they could to help out around the house lawn work, gardening and fixing things. Yet, Louis and Earl found time for fun too. They enjoyed ice-skating and playing hockey in the winter, and fishing in the summer. Much of their time was spent with their grandparents too. Many Fridays after school, the boys walked to their Grandma and Grandpa Orshals house to spend the weekend with them, while traditional Sunday dinners were spent all together. Louis had his career all mapped out for him when he got a job at Hackley Bank at the age of 17. After graduating a year later from North Muskegon High School, he worked full-time for the bank for many years. However, in 1951, Louis followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. It was while here that Louis met a lovely young lady named Mary Sue McCombs, who worked on the base. After a whirlwind romance of only 3 months, the two were happily married on August 8, 1953. A couple of months later in October, Louis received his discharge from the service and the two moved back to Muskegon so that he could return to his job at the Bank. Once home, Louis and Sue decided to have a reception for family and friends to celebrate their new marriage. He and his brother, Earl, were back to being partners and soon set out building their homes together right next to each other. It wasnt long before Louis and Sue filled their hearts and home with the joy and laughter of three wonderful children: Carol, Mary and Michael. Although Louis worked hard to provide for his family, he much rather be at home outdoors or enjoying time with his family. He loved being a father and taking an active part in his childrens lives. As an outdoorsman, Louis taught his kids how to fly fish and took them camping to learn about nature first hand. In the winter months, they had fun snowmobiling and ice-skating together. Louis was a baseball fan and took his daughter, Carol, to a World Series game once. As true family man, Louiss happiest moments always involved the time he spent with his wife and kids. Later in life, he took great pleasure in watching his grandchildren play outside his home. Holidays always meant family gatherings, which couldnt make him happier. Louis retired as a Vice President of Comerica Bank, which bought Hackley Bank, after 40 years of service. He then put his leisure time to good use going golfing, catching up on some reading and doing word search puzzles. He watched the news daily, and always had an eye out for deer or turkey in the backyard. As a handyman, Louis could fix anything around the house. Living next door to his brother also kept him busy. Both had an open door policy at their homes, and their families ate dinner together almost every night together during the summer. There wasnt anything Louis and Earl didnt tackle together, from building things to fishing and hunting. When Earl died, Louis was undoubtedly never the same like a piece of him was missing. This past Tuesday night, Louiss son Michael was staying with him and when he awoke from a bad dream, Michael was there to comfort him and hear him say, Jesus, take my hand and lead me to the promise land. Louis died two days later on Thursday, June 3, 2010, at the age of 78. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Louis will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Louis is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary "Sue"; children: Carol (David) VanDuinen of New Era, Mary (Doug) Spoelma of Muskegon, Michael (Carie) Andree of Muskegon; grandchildren: Leanne (Michael) VanBeek, Aaron (Emily) VanDuinen, Katie (Ryan) Long, Ross Spoelma, Drew & Faith Andree; 3 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Earl; sisters, B. Jean Cunningham & Mary Beth Andree. Services will be on Thursday, June 10, at 12:00 p.m. at Laketon Bethel Reformed Church with Dr. Sherwin Brantsen officiating. Visitation is on Thursday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Laketon Bethel Reformed Youth Fund or Harbor Hospice. Please visit Louiss personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com where you may share a memory with his family or sign his online guest book.