Louis LeRette

Louis "Corky" Leroy LeRette was born October 24, 1928, in Hancock, Iowa to David Louis LeRette and Thelma Mae Kissel.

Louis grew up in the tumultuous times of the Great Depression but still managed to make the most of life. He led his younger brother, Bob, on countless adventures which they both survived-miraculously at times.

At 17, Louis fibbed about his age to enlist early in the United States Army. He served as a truck vehicle mechanic in Germany during World War II from August 1946 through December 1948. When he returned home, he was honorably discharged after earning both a World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal.

Louis took his first job in a garage after he completed the 6th grade, but his passion for cars never faltered. He continued to buy, fix, race, trade, sell, and talk cars for the rest of his life. While working in the garage of Chevrolet dealership, Louis met his wife, Dorothy, after she delivered him a chicken dinner. The pair married and the blended family settled in Council Bluffs, IA. Together, Louis and Dorothy raised their family of 7 children and numerous pets. Summers were full of camping expeditions across the Midwest, and lots and lots of fishing.

After retirement, Louis spent much of his time in Joplin, Arkansas. He filled his free time with summer visits with family, mowing the entire trailer park (after decorating his riding mower with the most obnoxious bells and whistles), and drinking coffee with numerous friends. And more fishing.

Louis passed away on October 22, 2024, after a life well lived. He was 95 years old. Louis was preceded in death by Dorothy, his wife of 65 years, his parents (David and Thelma), brother (Bob), and son (Roger LeRette). He is survived by his children, Louis (Laura) LeRette Jr., Sue Schlapkohl, Terry (Sandie) Randall, Paula (Jerry) Allen, Cindy (Ed) Mullen, and Bobbie (Steve Grzywa) LeRette; daughter-in-law, Julie LeRette; 19 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and countless furry friends.

A Celebration Service will be held at Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, October 26, 2024. The visitation is from 10 to 11 AM, followed by a Celebration Service at 11 AM, followed directly by a reception.

Memorials in lieu of flowers, will be directed by the family.