Louis A. Spletzer, long time Newaygo resident, passed away in Omaha,

Nebraska on November 18, 2002 after a long illness. He is survived by

his three children, Beverly Spletzer of Grand Rapids, Barry Spletzer and

his wife Suzanne of Albuquerque, and Diane Sim and her husband Art of

Omaha as well as four grandchildren. He was preceded in death earlier

this year by Angie, his wife of 55 years.

Lou was born in Chicago on July 1st, 1920 but grew up in Newaygo and

graduated from Newaygo High School in 1938. He served in the Pacific

during World War II. After the war, he married Angie on March 2, 1946.

They moved back to Newaygo in 1948. Lou was an entrepreneur for much of

his working life, starting several successful businesses. In 1961 he

was elected to public office as the Garfield Township Supervisor. He

later became a County Commissioner, the Newaygo County Drain

Commissioner, serving a term as presidient of the Michigan Association

of County Drain Commissioners, and Chairman of the Newaygo County Jury

Board. He greatly enjoyed his work on the local political scene and

especially relished the role of being a completely honest politician.

He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

A memorial service will be held for Lou at McKinley's funeral home in

Newaygo at 1:00 PM on December 7, 2002. In lieu of flowers, please

consider memorials to the Fremont Area Foundation for either the Newaygo

County First Responders or the Lou and Angie Spletzer Memorial

Scholarship Fund.