Louis W. Close

Louis W. Close, 81, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2021, at Hospice House in Wausau.

He was born July 13, 1940, in Manitowoc, WI to Louis J. and Catherine Close. Lou graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School, served four years in the Navy, and returned to Manitowoc to marry the love of his life, Bette Ohlhues.

Lou’s job with Chrysler Corporation brought them to Chicago, Wausau and Milwaukee, before permanently moving to Wausau in 1968. Together they raised their daughter and two sons in a house filled with love and music. They operated Close Harmony Music Studio, selling instruments and teaching the city of Wausau to play. Lou also worked as a District Sales manager for both Kimball Piano and Baldwin Piano Companies.

An accomplished musician, Lou played many instruments, led a guitar mass at St. Michaels and sang with the Saturday Night Singers at St. James. He performed folk music throughout the country, and in retirement, entertained with his accordion at the White Gull Inn in Fish Creek, WI. Both he and Bette volunteered at area hospitals and the Hospice House, bringing music and joy to patients. Lou coached his son’s basketball and baseball teams and was involved in all his children and grandchildren’s lives.

Preceded in death by his parents, sisters Donna and Catherine, he is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bette; daughter Christa (Kraig) Bush of St. Louis, MO; sons Louis (Jill) Close of Wayzata, MN, and Michael (Christa) Close of Medina, MN; brother John (Gail) Close of Charlotte, NC; and grandchildren Michelle Harrison, Michael and Nick Bush, Caroline, Marielle, and Sydney Close, and Caitlyn, Zachary and Max Close. He will be missed dearly.

The family would like to thank Justin Asquith MD and his team at Aspirus Regional Cancer Center; and caregivers at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Rennes Care Center and Aspirus Hospice House for the excellent care they provided Lou.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 17, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 621 N. Second St., Wausau.  The Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will preside.  Private interment services will take place in Pine Grove Cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. The family requests masks for all those in attendance. Memorials preferred to Good News of Wausau and Aspirus Hospice House of Wausau.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

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