Louis N. Hannes

Madison -- ""Lou"" Hannes, age 71, passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital. Lou was an avid Badger fan and loved to spend winters in Florida. He attended University of Wisconsin Extension in Kenosha for 2 years where he was the recipient of the Myron Lowe trophy, a prestigious award for excellence in athletics, leadership and scholarship. He then attended UW Madison where he graduated with a business degree. While there he was a member of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. Lou started his career selling life insurance for College Life and later adjusted claims for Hardware Mutual (Sentry Insurance).  He then worked for the State of Wisconsin in the Insurance Commissioner's Office starting as a trainee and working his way up to the Division Head of Property and Casualty, Rates &and Forms Division.  He then headed to Chicago for three years as regional manager for ISO. He returned to Wisconsin as President of the Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau for 19 years.  He retired in 2000. Lou wrote three books and had one published that is titled ""Heroes in Black Hats"" which is about the Wisconsin Iron Brigade during the Civil War.  Lou was married to Jeanne ( Hudson) Hannes for nearly 50 years. They have three sons living in Madison. Dave (Staci), granddaughter Annabelle;   Michael (Gwen), grandson, Henry; and Thomas (Cathy).   Mr. and Mrs. Hannes are members of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 11 a.m. at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison.   A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m.   Interment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. May the road rise up to meet you . May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face.   May the rains fall softly upon your fields. And until we meet again, may the Good Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand.