Louis Dennis William VanElsacker left this world unexpectedly on June 10, 2021 at the age of 33. He was born to Louis and Dawn on January 14, 1988. He was raised in Northland and attended school in Gwinn Michigan. “Little Louie” often joked that he was the Jack of all trades and master of none. He was the class clown, a hunter, fisherman, a charmer, a poet, and he was a dreamer. There wasn’t a damsel in distress within a 50 mile radius that he didn’t try and rescue. He found solace in the woods, in jamming on his guitar, and listening to music alone in his vehicles. He didn’t crave a glamorous life. He wanted the bare minimum and he was happy to have it. A minimalist. He could sleep anywhere. He could disappear in the woods for days. Mother Nature was his mistress. He had a beautiful soul and when he loved you, he loved you unconditionally. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for the people that he loved. He will be greatly missed by many.
The day he became a father was a magical day for him. He only ever wanted the best for his child. He nicknamed him Wee-ew, a term of endearment that his nieces had once called him. His middle name was a combination of his two best friends, Winston and Chet. That’s how Louie was... he didn’t always have to be present to show you he loved you. He didn’t have to call you or even answer the phone. But every once in a while, out of nowhere... he would show you love in the purest of ways.
“Please, don't worry so much. Because in the end, none of us have very long on this Earth. Life is fleeting. And if you're ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky when the stars are strung across the velvety night. And when a shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night into day... make a wish and think of me. Make your life spectacular.” - Robin Williams Dead Poets Society
Louie (the fourth) left behind the following surviving family members: son, Louis Winchester; mother, Dawn Greathouse (Bud Holt); father, Louis D. VanElsacker; brother, August VanElsacker (Cheyenne Colombe); sister, Shannon Greathouse (Paul Richards); brother, Phillip VanElsacker; paternal grandfather, Bill VanElsacker; maternal grandfather, Vernon Greathouse; maternal grandmother, Shirley Greathouse; uncle, David VanElsacker; aunt, Crystal VanElsacker; nieces, Elizabeth and Susanna; nephew, Jose; as well as many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He will be joining grandmother, Bonnie Gehrke; and great-grandmother, Suzanne Powers at his final resting place.
He’s going to be ok now. Gram Powers has been on standby and her favorite grandbaby has got some explainin’ to do. She is waiting patiently with some hot oatmeal. This time she’s serving it with Baileys instead of milk.
Rest In Peace Little Louie.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Friday, June 18, 2021 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Louie will follow at 12:00 p.m., Friday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will then make their way to the Northland Cemetery where Louie will be laid to rest with his family. Following the burial, there will be a celebration of life at the Township Hall in Arnold.
His Aunt Betty Greathouse helped organize and set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral services, you can donate or share https://gofund.me/866a00d4
The family has requested potted plants instead of cut flowers if possible so they can create a remembrance garden for Louie. Thank you and God Bless.
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