Louie Edwin Klegin

Age 73, of Manawa, passed away at his residence, with his family by his side, on Thursday, October 14, 2010, following a courageous battle with ALS. He was born on April 25, 1937 in Bear Creek, son of the late William and Margaret (Podoski) Klegin. On April 25, 1959 he was united in marriage to Dixie Knapp at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bear Creek. Louie worked at Sara Lee in New London as a Supervisor for over 38 years, retiring in 2000. Louie had the greatest love for Arabian horses. He enjoyed showing horses until his illness forced him to be the coach/driver. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved his hobby farm along the Little Wolf River and also hunting and making firewood with his brother Bill. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Dixie; children: Jeanne (Mike) Rohloff, Marion; Rick (Amy) Klegin, Bear Creek; Julie (Kevin) Buchman, Hortonville; Mary (Larry) Thoma, New London; Louie Jr. (Joanna) Klegin, Texas; Kelli Bunnell, Shiocton; Dawn (David) Dobratz, Hortonville; Lana (Tim) Mellin, New London; 14 grandchildren and 4 step-grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and 1 step-great-grandchild; siblings: Ruth Paulus Klegin, Appleton; Eddie (Barbara) Klegin, Bear Creek; Millie (Richard) Lehman, Appleton; Bill (Kathy) Klegin, New London; Ali (Bob) Norder, Bear Creek. He is further survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Lori, brother-in-law Richard Paulus, mother-in-law and father-in-law Tony and Esther Knapp. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Louie's life will take place on Friday, October 22, 2010 from 3-5 p.m. at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home in Manawa. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the ALS Foundation. A special thanks to Tanya, Paula, Kari, Marie, Kelly, Heidi, Jenny, Amy, Sandy, Cathy, Sherry and the entire Theda Care Hospice team for the exceptional care given to Louie. God bless all of you!