Louis G. Lopez was born Jan. 21, 1946, in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Patricia (Gonzales) and Joe Lopez, Sr. He died Friday, April 25, 2025, at his residence in Madison.
When Louis was young, the family moved to Bayard, where he attended school. After high school, he moved to Grand Island, where he worked at an ammunition plant. During this time, Louis married Charlotte Thoms, and the couple was blessed with two children, Michelle and Troy. They later divorced.
In 1974, Louis moved to Madison and worked at the pork plant, where he met Mary Hughes. Louis and Mary were soon united in marriage and were further blessed with daughter, Melissa.
After his career at the pork plant, Louis worked for the State of Nebraska in the roads department and later as a janitor for Madison Public Schools. With his friendly and outgoing nature, Louis was well-known and well-loved by those in his community. He connected with many students during his time working for the school district and loved to be of service to his elderly neighbors by painting their houses and volunteering to wash their cars.
Louis enjoyed spending time outside, listening to Husker games or music while he worked in the yard. Louis loved dancing and music, especially Elvis, and could often be found listening to his many 8-tracks and record albums. He was also a marathon runner.
Above all else, Louis loved his family. Throughout his life, he remained close with his 13 siblings and would sometimes drive for hours to attend events for his children and later, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary; children, Michelle (Tom) Havlat, Troy (Dani) Lopez, and Melissa Lopez; grandchildren, Antonia (Mo) Al-Hussein, Delaney (Cole) Wiley, Thomas (Ellie) Havlat, Darian (Keirdane) Harner, Devin (Mitch) Marvin, Trey (fiancée Madisen) Lopez, Tyce Lopez, and Briana Zimmer; brothers, Joe, Jr., Tony, Henry (Linda), and Frank (Tammy) Lopez; sisters, Alice Herrera, Angie Navarro, Lucy (Ernie) Vera, Jane Stark, Carmen Arsiaga, Mary (Bob) Auman, and Lori Matthiessen; and many nieces and nephews.
Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia and Joe, Sr.; brother, Alex and his wife Laura; sister, Gloria Muniz; sisters-in-law, Alicia Lopez and Pat Lopez; brothers-in-law, Luis Herrera, Chuck Stark, Joe Arsiaga, and Terry Matthiessen; and great-grandchild, Honey Blue.
A funeral mass was May 1, at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church in Madison.
Arrangements by Resseguie Funeral Home in Norfolk.
