Louis Ellsworth Kirschbaum

Age 98

Louis E. Kirschbaum passed away on March 23, 2017 following a brief illness. Lou was born in Michigan to Louis C. and Mamie J Kirschbaum on December 25, 1918 and was the oldest of 3 children. Lou and his family moved to Missoula, Montana when he was a young boy and Lou worked with his father in a logging camp beginning at the age of 10.

Lou married Margaret Marie Lloyd in 1940 and the couple moved to Spokane following the birth of their oldest son, James. In 1944, Lou joined the US Army and was deployed overseas to Europe where he took part in the Battle of the Bulge and also participated in the liberation of various concentration camps throughout Germany as the war came to a close in Europe.

Lou had previously became a member of Local 44 Plumber's and Pipefitter’s Union in 1943 before his war service and he then resumed his job with the union upon his return to Spokane. Lou worked on many large construction projects in Spokane including Sacred Heart Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, Deaconess Hospital, and Shriner's Hospital for Children. He also supervised construction at the Spokane County Jail and many of the buildings at WSU and the University of Idaho until he retired in 1980. He was a proud, 74 year member of Local 44 and was honored with his 72nd year milestone in 2015. In addition, he was a lifetime member of the Elks.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings including several step-siblings. He is survived by his wife, Margaret and they would have celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary in June of this year. Lou is also survived by his two children: son James (Marilyn), son Michael (Ellen) as well four grandchildren: Kristyn Kirschbaum-Giem, Heidi Romero, Anelise Brasch (Paul), David Kirschbaum (Rachel), and 10 great-grandchildren. Also, Lou is survived by his brother-in-law, George Lloyd and aunt, Vivian Viche, both of Missoula and three nieces.

Lou was a quiet, honorable man who held a strong work ethic and was beloved by his family; he will be greatly missed. At his request, no services will be held. His ashes will be inurned at the Washington State Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA.

His family is appreciative of the compassionate care received from Horizon Hospice of Spokane and the staff of Moran Vista Senior Living. On-line condolences may be posted at http://obits.dignitymemorial.com.