Louis Cruz

OBITUARY for LOUIS ISRAEL CRUZ
With his daughters by his side, Louis "Louie" or "Lou" Israel Cruz, age 67, born on June 6, 1951, to Rogelio and Carmen Cruz in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 1, 2019 at his brother's home in Stoughton, Wisconsin, following a year and a half battle with Cancer.

After moving from Puerto Rico at the age of three, Louis' family moved to Chicago, Illinois. Having grown up around music, at a very young age, his musical talent became undeniable. Self-taught, he learned to play guitar at the age of five and gradually excelled at playing several other instruments as well. He went on the road with his older brother Benjamin and played in various bands across the U.S. Highly respected and an expert at his craft, he later served as the Music Director for the very popular Area Code 608 Band, founded by Steve and Rita DaLeo.

After touring, he and his brother opened a recording studio, and when not mixing and mastering music, Louis spent his days at his guitar studio, DELACRUZMUSIC. He spent most of his later professional life devoted to igniting others' passion to play guitar and has taught many youth and adults how to play.

With two of his great loves, he had three daughters. Over the span of his life, he wrote and produced numerous songs though his girls were his crowing achievement.

He was known for not only his musical genius but also for his balding blockers (i.e. berets and caps), his pranks, off-color sense of humor, and infectious laugh.

Despite being a nonconformist in many areas of life, he always had two feet firmly planted. He was genuine, warm, and grounded. He was a writer, a listener, a painter, a beautiful singer (always hitting the highest notes imaginable), a giving and guiding friend, a loving father, and a soulful and deeply spiritual being.

Louis is survived by his daughters, Tanya Cruz (Travis) Genung, Tessa (Inyang) Cruz; his siblings, Marita Rincón, Aureleo (Nilsa) Cruz, Noemi Sordo, and Benjamin Cruz, their beloved children as well as nieces, nephews and many cousins that were all so very special to him.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Rogelio and Carmen Cruz; his siblings, Miguel Martinez and Juanita Martinez; and daughter, Marisa Cruz.

Louis was loved deeply by all who had the honor of growing up with him, knowing him, jamming with him, and traveling with him, physically and spiritually. His soul is no doubt filled with gratitude for the outpouring of love and support in his last moments, but especially for his brother Benjamin, who cared for him up to his last breath.

"Tu canción sigue viviendo en nuestros corazones y almas."

A Visitation and Memorial Service will be held Sunday, February 10, 2019 at Cress Funeral Home.

Address: 206 W. Prospect Street, Stoughton, WI 53589
Visitation: 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Service: 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the family (Tanya Cruz Genung) in lieu of flowers.


Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
206 W Prospect St. Stoughton
608-873-9244