Louise Eva Kautsky

How do you sum up the life of a real life saint? The task is IMPOSSIBLE but the impact of Louise E. Kautsky will live on forever as a joy-filled sister, devoted wife, beloved mother, granny and great-grandmother, lover of life, radiator of positivity, laughter and wisdom, kind and loving soul, natural athlete, gifted writer and dedicated Catholic! Her guide, Christ Himself, and Proverbs 31 couldn’t describe her more, but with 8 living children, 32 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters over 90 years young and an abundance of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and a myriad of friends, we have a couple stories to share on just how one of a kind Louise was…

A REFLECTION ON THE LIFE, WIT AND WISDOM

OF LOUISE HAMEL KAUTSKY

by Marie Hamel Graves (sister)

I have fond memories on the farm in Burdett, Alberta, Canada where we would make a house of tumble weeds as a pass time. We liked to play hopscotch and anti-high over—a game of throwing a ball over the roof. We had to get our hair cut in the summer – the reasoning was that it would grow in thicker but we all hid under the bed and Louise was the only one who had to go around with a “shaved” head all summer.

Louise was always helping people in need. She met an elderly couple when she was out and about. They were lost. Louise not only gave them directions, she took them where they wanted to go. As a teenager I needed a dress for a special date. –Louise loaned me her very best dress for the occasion.

Louise was a shining example to all of us. She was very precious to our Mom – Rose Huot Hamel Jarvis. She took good care of Mom. People who weren’t even related to Louise said she was a saint. One quote stands out, “If anybody is going to get to heaven it is Louise.” She was very close to God and a daily communicant. She never expected to be the life of the party or center of attention, but everyone enjoyed her company. She had both wit and wisdom. She was married to Les for 65 years, and when asked what the secret to a long marriage was, she was quoted as saying, “I don’t have the time or energy to train another one.” When she found out Les was a good cook, he had a permanent job that he excelled in after the children left and he retired. She endured the loss of her first born, Lester, with prayer and grace.

Louise and I were 1 year and 9 months apart, meaning we had a 90+ year friendship. We talked at least twice a week and if Louise hadn’t heard from me she would call and say, “This is your sister, Louise, called just to check on you.” Louise was loved by all of her family and a myriad of friends. She leaves us with a loving lasting memory of a very special lady.

by Patti Kautsky Murray (daughter)

My mom was my first best friend. She taught me, by example, how to be a best friend.

She would forgive me and pray for me. She showed me how to be stronger and never give up on faith or family; doing the right thing and sacrifice and people are more important than things and your reward will come later. She said "always be a lady" and gave a very honest opinion, no matter how long it took.

When it’s time to go, I always felt happy and better and grateful and blessed for getting to know her as a great granny, granny, aunt, sister, mom and friend. I try to be more like her and still talk with her in prayer every day.

She is my first best friend and I'm lucky to have her in my life forever and ever. Amen.

by Frank Kautsky (son)

A dictionary Mom gave me years ago has a note on the inside cover: To Frank – We are accountable for every word. Use them Kindly, Wisely and Well!

Here goes…Louise Hamel married my Dad in November of 1948, and spent the next 65 years dedicated to the love and caring of her family and those around her. A few children came along; Lester, Eugene, Douglas, Christine, Patricia, Dennis and Steven. Those years were before my time but can be recounted by any of them you can get talking. Mom brought her 6th son into the world a month after her 43rd birthday and still had the strength to give us her 3rd daughter Rose four years later.

My earliest memory is Mom chasing away my Mop‐Mope nightmares. They never stood a chance against her love, a cracked bedroom door and the hallway light. The first time I ever saw her cry was when our Meme’ past away. Her tears did not come often, and were always for others. She had me reading before I entered Kindergarten, then nurtured and encouraged a life‐long passion for it. One of her favorite works of fiction was A.J. Cronin’s “Keys to the Kingdom”. I recommend it to anyone who loved her.

She taught me how to sit still, sing, swim, shoot, hit a baseball, play tennis, horse shoes and ping‐pong. She bought me the toys and games I couldn’t live without, and beat me at most of them when challenged. She enrolled me in sports programs, made me stick with them, and went to every game she could.

For someone who never claimed to be a cook, she made some of the best food I’ve ever had, and innocently taught my wife how to make my favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner better than I remember them.

Deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, Mom did her best to share her light in a way that respected others, and left them better for the experience. She implanted a sense of right and wrong in me that is my compass for life’s daily choices and decisions. To me Mom will always be remembered as the best – and one who always saw the best in others.

by Shannon Kautsky (daughter-in-law)

Mom was an amazing woman. I remember one time when we were in the backyard and Amie threw a ball towards my head and before I could even THINK to move my hand up to block my face, her hand was right in front of my eyes with the PERFECT CATCH!!! I couldn’t believe how fast her reflexes were at 85! AMAZING!

by Emily Kautsky (granddaughter)

Grandma, Gran Gran and even Grammy

My Grandma preferred to be called Granny.

She raised nine kids full of success

She went to church every day and wore a pretty dress.

She was like a saint,

Never made anyone cry or faint.

Never said anything bad about anyone.

Whenever she was with you it always turned out fun.

She is in heaven now

The things she was working for her whole life I give her a bow.

And I know it’s hard, trust me I cry so much its unruly

But I know that she did and will always love me truly

by Kathleen Hurtt (granddaughter)

Granny was always like a second mom to me…heck I remember crawling into Granny and Grandpa’s double bed in the mornings before school and she would hold me tight whispering…“I love you truly, come closer, we don’t want to knock grandpa out of bed.”

Granny was always very affectionate including sitting on the back swing and tickling our backs…a tradition she shared with my kids too! Who could forget the INTENSE infamous card or rummy tile games?! Saying Granny was good at games and competitive was an understatement! It still surprises me that when I suggest a game of Kings Korners to friends that no one has a clue how to play that game, I guess it should have been called Kautsky Kings Korners since our family seemed to be the only ones who ever heard of it!

Granny loved the written word and always made sure we knew it was “Granny and I” not “Me and Granny”. Then when I got old enough to drive, I remember pulling up to the house where Polka music would be rattling the windows and blaring down the street and Granny and Grandpa would be dancing in the kitchen. As I got older, I would notice if there was an open seat next to Granny at a family party, Grandpa would casually get up and find his place next to her. Before I knew it, they were holding hands. Every time I saw that all I could think was how much I wanted that one day!

Granny imprinted many wonderful memories in my heart. None more important than her faith through the way she LIVED her life. Even in her last days she led me to pray the rosary daily, reminded me about the blessings of praying for others, emphasized the importance of personal prayer time and taught me about the peace of truly trusting God’s will. I am blessed and grateful to call her my role model! I love you truly Granny!!!

by Elizabeth Quigley (granddaughter)

Granny was always thinking of the well-being and happiness of those around her. About 5 months ago I moved to Northern California to pursue a job opportunity. Days before I moved granny gave me a prayer card that read:

Oh holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles wait on your words, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle. Even so, you are the Saint of Miracles.

Oh gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary. Glory Be.

Granny also gave me a cross that holds soil from Jerusalem. It is a beautiful, everyday reminder of the peace that prayer can bring.

Whenever I am feeling alone I read this prayer and think of her. Granny was a beautiful woman, she exuded unconditional love, grace and was a true luminary.

I love you truly Granny!!

by Michael and Jaime Kautsky (grandson and granddaughter-in-law)

Granny was, without hesitation, one of the sweetest women and the best listeners that I have ever met. She truly listened to people and took an earnest, genuine interest in them. Every time I saw Granny, she asked me about my family - my parents and brother - and remembered what I had told her about them the last time she spoke. I was blown away that, with all of the friends and family in her own world, she cared enough to remember what was happening in my little life, and what was important to me. To make people feel truly valued and listened to - that's a gift, and she was better at it than almost anyone I know.

In fact, one Christmas I was asking Granny and Grandpa about stories from their youth, and about how they met. It was a pretty funny conversation. :) Then Granny started talking about working at the docks in Long Beach so long ago, and standing on the dock watching Howard Hughes make his famous flight of the Spruce Goose. Michael walked up to us and said, "What?!?! That's awesome, how have I never heard that story?". I think it's probably because Granny spent so little time talking about her own life - remarkable as it was - and so much time investing in and listening to other people.

Unfortunately, Michael has been sick as a dog for a few days and is in no way to get up and type anything out. But, I can tell you that he adored her, and has told me on more than one occasion that Granny is one of his favorite people in the entire world. She embraced him fully, and welcomed him as one of her own grandchildren when he joined the Kautsky family as a young boy. He has said that he remembers being so surprised and excited that she bought presents for him on his very first Christmas as a Kautsky. :)

by Don and June Kautsky Powers (brother-in-law and sister-in-law)

Louise was special and will be missed but remembered by all

L oving to so many

O ur brothers right hand

U seful and caring

I nterested in people

S aw good in all

E njoyed life and her loved

by Pauline Kautsky Huebner (sister-in-law)

On June 24th 1950 - my wedding day was the first I met Louise and their first child. Yes my brother Lester wanted to bring his wife and child to Manitowoc for my wedding. I was very pleased to have them there and to meet my new sister-in-law. A wonderful meeting and a fun time we had. That was 63 years ago and since that first meeting we have had many wonderful gatherings at their house and at ours. Louise was a good cook especially Christmas Eve, her Meat Pies were delicious and we were always invited. With the crew she had to feed we were never left out and I will forever remember my Sister-in-Law Louise. A Very Fine Lady.

by Aaron Kautsky Huebner (nephew)

My memories of Louise go back to the early 60's as for most of my childhood and early teen years, Sunday afternoons meant going to Uncle Lester's and Aunt Louise's at least a couple of times a month. Those were fond memories as being an only child I really enjoyed coming over and being with family. The crazy bikes, the 3 story bunk beds, the controlled chaos was truly welcomed and expected. And while each visit seemed to take on a life of its own, the one constant was Aunt Louise. She was never anything but kind and understanding to me and she really seemed to care not only about me growing up but about my family. Then there were the Christmas's, she would each and every year find a way to pleasantly describe the family Christmas Tree (and from what I remember, the Kautsky tree was the closest thing to a real life Charlie Brown Tree I had ever seen) yet year after year she really could make you believe it was beautiful, and you know what.........it was!

Finally, my last conversation took place with Louise on Dec 23, 2013. I was on my way to Havasu to see my Mom, (who was in the hospital) and I thought to myself, I need to let Les and Louise know what is going on, so I called. Louise answered the phone and we had about a 10 min conversation regarding my Mom and she wanted me to be sure I passed along her thoughts and prayers for her. I thought that was nice............but when I got to Havasu I found out that Louise had herself been in the hospital and had just got out! Not one time during her conversation with me did she try to turn the conversation onto herself, she really wanted to know how my Mom was doing and she kept her "problems" completely to herself. Looking back, this truly identifies Louise, she always put others first and herself second! Nothing was more important to her than family!

We lost a wonderful, kind and loving person, but Heaven gained an Angel and I'm sure she is talking my Dad's ear off right now!

by Mary Lou Hamel Graves (niece)

When ever I think of Louise I think of the quote....."When life gives you lemons... make lemonade". I don't care what happened Louise handled it and not only handled it but handled it with patience, kindness and love. She was such an example of Christ to me!!!!

by Lia Kautsky Katz (niece)

Wow, a beautiful flower has gone from this world's garden. At the same time heaven becomes more drawing. All I can say is that the best role model for being a mom has gone on to glory. Somewhere in our archives are photos to treasure, but the treasure is having known her. So many happy visits in my childhood to Uncle Les and Aunt Louise's house are part of who I am. One funny remembrance was when I was probably 12 or so, trying to help in the kitchen and being awestruck watching her slice a tomato. I didn't know anybody who could get that many

slices from one tomato! Still don't for that matter.

by Leah Hamel Schneeweis Borge (great-grand niece)

As I gathered photos of Aunt Louise, I can’t help but smile. Her positive spirit comes through each image with caring and compassionate wisdom. We were lucky enough to spend some amazing times with Aunt Louise and her sisters. One of the trips we took “the ladies” to was Las Vegas. That evening we took them to see Celine Dion. As you can imagine, they were thrilled to see the Canadian born star. As we served them champagne and enjoyed the show we saw 4 women in their 80’s and 90’s signing along and cheering like teenagers. By the end of the show they were energized and ready for more. Thomas and I were ready to drop - pushing wheelchairs around casinos is hard work! After looking at Christmas decorations and a bit of gaming we finally got them back to their room. Thomas showed them how to use the television and they were overjoyed to see the fountains at the Bellagio synchronized with the music blaring from their television speakers. They sat together on the sofa and watched this over and over and over. The next morning, Louise told Thomas “Something happened- something was wrong last night. “ Thomas was worried that something was wrong with the breakfast we sent to their room or one of them wasn’t feeling alright. Thomas asked, “Was everything okay with the room service we sent? Was breakfast ok? Did everyone sleep ok?“ Louise replied, “This is the first time we’ve ever had room service together. That was very nice. No- something happened with the fountain. It just stopped working at 2am. It must have been broken.” We laughed ... knowing that the fountain stops running for the night at 2am. They were sitting there on the couch together watching and listening for 3 hours and wanted to see more. The bond between these 4 women is so amazing. Their faith, kindness, love for family and love for life is something we should all try to emulate. When we arrived home after the weekend, Thomas walked Louise in the house and carried her bag inside. When he didn’t come back to the car for a few minutes I was puzzled. He walked out of the house with Les’ arm around him chuckling. Thomas came back to the car and told me that Les had given him a hard time. Les wanted to know why the ladies always got to go on these amazing trips and he stayed home. Thomas told him he thought he was giving Les a break. Les told him that he didn’t need a break and he would love to go next time. He would rather be with Louise and the Ladies than stay home alone. I’ll never forget that evening thinking how wonderful it was after 60 plus years of marriage their love of each other and family was stronger than ever.