Louis E. "Lou" Demanes

He was born November 11, 1917 in Kewanee, son of James and Mary Mikui Demanes, he married Lois Preston on January 28, 1951 in Kewanee. She survives.

Also surviving are five children, James Demanes of Peoria, Richard (Lori) Demanes of East Peoria, Michael (Allison) Demanes of Groveland, Scott (Elisa) Demanes of Peoria, and Lisa (Bill) Everts of Naperville; ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren; and seven nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by one sister, Linda, and two brothers, Leroy and Floyd.

He was a WWII Army Veteran.

Lou was a 69 year member of the Peoria Masonic Lodge #263 and a life member of the Mohammed Temple of Peoria and life member of Scottish Rite - Valley of Peoria.

He was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Peoria.

He was the President of James Demanes and Sons and the President and founder of Demanes Interiors both of which still operate today. He was an Expert in all facets of Oriental Rugs. Louis was a professional member of the ASID (one of the first in Downstate IL) and has been Nationally Recognized in Who’s Who of Interior Designers for his accomplishments in Contemporary Design.

Lou always supported the local arts and artists, and curated many art shows at Demanes Interiors Gallery. He loved the outdoors and was a highly accomplished hunter and fisherman.

He loved his farm in southern Wisconsin and his yearly winter trips to Sanibel Island, FL. Louis was at home in the kitchen and was an excellent cook.

Most of all Lou loved his family and was the happiest when they were all together. A husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend Lou was the best.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 17, 2010 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Peoria. The Rev. Canon Ralph J. Stanwise will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria with a Masonic service at 8p.m. and one hour prior to the services at church. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

View Lou’s life story at www.woolsey-wilton.com.

Memorials may be made to the Children’s Hospital of Illinois or Disabled American Veterans.