Louis Larkin Chicquette passed away peacefully holding his daughter’s hand on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. A memorial service was held at First United Methodist Church, Red Wing.
He was born on March 20, 1924, to Louis and Eleanor Chicquette in Hartland Township, just outside Bay City, WI. He attended elementary school in Bay City and graduated from Ellsworth Senior High School. He was proud to serve his country in World War II as tail-gunner in a B29 aircraft known as Flak Alley Sally. Lou was the last remaining charter member in the American Legion Post 357 as well as other veteran groups. He was a fierce advocate for veterans’ rights and enjoyed the company of veteran comrades.
Upon being discharged from the army in 1945, Lou started his own business known as the Esdaile Box and Lumber Company, which included a sawmill and small factory. To say that he had sawdust in his veins would be an understatement. He was proud to be known as a woodpecker for 75 years and was well-known in the lumber industry for his vast knowledge base, integrity and gregarious nature. When he sold the business to Webster Lumber Company, he joined that organization as a vice president of sales for 20 years and worked in the Bangor, WI, plant. He retired from Webster, a retirement that lasted only a few months, before joining Industrial Hardwood Products, now known as Rockland Flooring. Lou loved his work and was still a contract employee of Quality One Woodwork upon his death. He once told his granddaughter to find a job that she loves and she’d never have to work a day in her life. That was Lou; lumber was his life.
Lou met the love of his life, Inez Nordenskold, in 1949 and they were married in 1952. Lou and Inez enjoyed 72 years of marriage, and were the proud parents of Louis Jeffrey, Appleton, WI, and Carol Anne (Lowell) Peterson, Bay City, WI. When asked how they made their marriage last so long, they replied, “Pick your battles carefully.” Family was a significant part of Lou’s life and he enjoyed every opportunity to be surrounded by assorted aunts, uncles, cousins, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many, many friends who became family.
Lou was an avid sports fan who prided himself on attending baseball games at 26 major league stadiums. His memory of obscure baseball statistics was legendary. Lou played baseball until he was 38 years old and then spent the rest of his years cheering from the sidelines. He loved watching football games with family, as well as hunting and fishing on the rare occasion when he was not working.
Lou had an altruistic heart and was a proud Mason and Shriner. He loved helping those in need, and that love for others lasted until his death. He helped originate the Pierce County Youth Association to help families and children access health and dental care.
He will be missed by family and friends for his laughter, compassion and love of life. His large personality will leave a big hole in our lives, yet we rejoice in knowing he is at peace after a life well-lived, right up to his last breath. He is survived by his wife Inez; son Louis Jeffrey, Appleton, WI; daughter Carol Anne, son-in law Lowell, Bay City, WI; four grandchildren Katie Chicquette, Appleton, WI; Andrew (Christine) Peterson, Minneapolis, MN; Luke (Jodie) Peterson, Somerset, WI; Caleb (Meghann), Rosemount, MN; and great-grandchildren Christian, Lucy, Zoey, Han, Claire and Amelia.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to First United Methodist Church, Red Wing.
