Louie Mitroff

Louie's Wonderful Life

Louie Mitroff was a 1st generation American born on February 7th, 1922 to Macedonian immigrants in Chicago. Louie and his younger siblings Mike and Mary grew up in a close-knit community of family and friends of eastern European origin, experiencing South Chicago during an era of indoor gas lighting, heating with coal, horse drawn delivery vehicles, streetcar transportation and making do with very little, particularly during the Great Depression.

Attending public schools in Chicago, Louie had to repeat 1st grade because he wasn't fluent in English. When he was about to begin high school, he made the decision to change his name from Lubomir to Louis. He attended Bowen High School, graduating in 1940.

In 1941 Louie began an apprenticeship as a machinist at U.S. Steel--South Works in Chicago. During WWII he served in the Army, guarding German prisoners in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Returning to civilian life after the war, Louie resumed and completed his apprenticeship at U.S. Steel, where he worked until his retirement. Louie was a proud member of the United Steelworkers of America and appreciated the impact that belonging to the Union made on his life and his ability to support his family.

Louie met his future wife Mary Ann on a blind date picnic organized by his buddy Chester, accepting the invitation only after being told that "the girls will be bringing the lunch." They married in 1947 and raised three children: Bruce, Karen and Glenn in the south side Chicago neighborhood of Roseland. Louie and Mary Ann were very devoted to their children and treasured time with them throughout their lives. Louie fondly recalled family outings including frequent trips to the Palos Park Forest Preserves for fishing, hiking, picnicking, row-boating and tobogganing; trips with his kids, nieces and nephews to the Indiana Dunes and special family vacations including a train trip to California and two extended road trips visiting National Parks in the west and southwest. They were proud that with their assistance all three of their kids graduated from college. Louie and Mary also treasured time with their extended families including nieces and nephews: Janet, Jimmy, Carole, Dianne, Kristin, Yvonne and Tom: in-laws: Pam (Bruce), Paul (Karen), and Dan (Glenn). Louie cherished his time with his grandchildren, Matt and Sam. From holidays, birthdays, school events, dance recitals, and sports to tea parties, games and ordinary things, Grandpa Louie found great pride and joy. He was especially thrilled to be a part of Sam’s wedding and welcome James to the family.

Louie and Mary Ann enjoyed frequent travels--locally, regionally and throughout the continental U.S. and even took a memorable trip to Hawaii.

After retiring, Louie and Mary Ann moved from suburban Chicago to Madison, Wisconsin to join their kids Glenn and Karen (Paul). They enjoyed the slower pace of life in Madison and took advantage of many opportunities for participation in fun community activities including the Dane County Farmers Market, neighborhood festivals and Brat Fest. They appreciated time with neighbors, attended Queen of Peace and frequented the Sequoia Branch Library. In retirement, Louie was a member of the Madison Sertoma Service Club. He and Mary Ann attended senior exercise classes for many years. Louie also belonged to a senior cribbage group.

As Mary Ann's health declined, Louie embraced the challenges of caring for Mary Ann at home with assistance from Agrace Hospice. After 66 years together, Mary Ann passed away in October of 2013. Louie lived independently at their home until 2016. Louie went on a Badger Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with Karen, He also enjoyed three winter vacations in Florida with Karen and Paul. In 2015 Louie applied for his first passport and took "the trip of a lifetime"--a two week cruise from Venice to Athens with stops in Croatia, Albania, Greece and Turkey--with Karen and Paul, Glenn and Dan.

In April of 2016 Louie moved into Chamomile Assisted Living. At Chamomile he made strong connections with his caregivers, fellow residents and friends with whom he shared his love of cribbage.

Prior to the start of the pandemic, Louie stayed active in the community meeting regularly with his senior exercise class and cribbage group. He enjoyed Saturday morning outings to the farmers market on the Square and occasional trips to Dodgeville for activities at Folklore Village. He loved attending the annual Folk Ball on the UW Campus and the International Festival at the Overture Center. With Karen and her neighbor Susan, Louie regularly attended Sunday services and programs at First Unitarian Society in Madison, enjoying the camaraderie and fellowship.

Last February, just weeks after his 99th birthday, Louie moved in with Glenn and Dan to be cared for in their home with the help of Agrace Hospice until his passing on January 3rd, just 35 days short of his 100th birthday. Louie's family thanks the caregivers from Hospice, especially Jen, Megan, Stephanie and his volunteer cribbage buddy Annie. Thanks too to all of the family members and friends who called, visited, brought meals, sent cards and participated in monthly Zoom gatherings starting with Louie's 99-1/2 birthday in August.

Louie was a kind and loving man who made friends easily. He was beloved by a large group of family and friends who appreciated him for his lively spirit and great sense of humor. Louie was a great storyteller and enjoyed hearing stories told by his family and friends.

If you'd like to make a donation in Louie's honor, we suggest:

First Unitarian Society, Madison, WI

Folklore Village, Dodgeville, WI

Olbrich Gardens, Madison, WI

PBS Wisconsin

Agrace Hospice of Madison, WI

Friends of the Indiana Dunes, Inc.

Thank you for sharing your love with Louie and his family. Your love and friendship meant the world to Louie and we find great comfort in knowing that you will continue to hold him in your hearts.