Louis Edmond Banholzer

Louis E. Banholzer (Big Lou) was born February 11, 1948 in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, to Floyd and Mary (Harris) Banholzer. From the very start, his life was interesting. Louis was born in a taxicab on the way to the hospital. Having brothers, Buddy, Kenny, Roy and his sister, Barb, made for an interesting and adventurous childhood.

As a child, Louis’ prized treasure was his ‘bucket of junk’ that he always had with him in case he found interesting things to put in it. Throughout his life, his bucket kept getting fuller, so full that it filled up attics, sheds, garages, and everything in between.

Louis met Cheryl, the love of his life, in early 1965. They dated for four and a half years. During this time, Louis served in the Marine Corp. They married on July 18,1970 in St. Francis de Sales Church.

One of their first treasures came on January 19, 1972, when their first child, a handsome son, Louis C. or “Little Lou” came into the world. On August 3, 1974, they were blessed with their second treasure, a beautiful daughter, Carissa A. or “Cessa.”  Both treasures indeed!

Louis worked hard all his life mostly in retail warehouses. Louis always had a funny story, a joke to share or a prank to pull, like the ‘kidnapped cherub.’  Many of his coworkers became lifelong friends. All were entertained by his creative wit.

Louis liked all kinds of animals. He had pet dogs, snakes, a cockatoo, squirrel and even a hawk. He enjoyed camping, boating, softball, hunting and fishing; especially when shared with loved ones and friends. “Just don’t make any noise and scare away the fish.” All of us have our favorite fishing stories and memories with Louis.

Louis had a variety of nicknames including Big Lou and Popeye. To the grandkids, Ethan, Madison and Alexis, Louis was known as Appaw, Pops or Grumps. He was always there and ready to go. Louis got them ‘hooked’ on fishing when he got them their first Zebco fishing poles. Eventually, his little treasures talked him out of some of his own poles. Any time spent together was treasured by all.

Louis enjoyed woodworking. People were always amazed at his hand-carved distinctive and beautiful walking sticks. He loved collecting sharks’ teeth while walking the beaches of Clearwater for hours at a time.

Louis was really excited about one of his latest finds, a 1971 Ford short bed truck. He loved working on it while listening to old country music, especially his favorite artist George Jones.

I am sure it took Louis back to his younger years while driving their ‘68 GTO or ‘74 Ford truck with Cheryl, Lil’ Lou and Carissa along for the ride. Now, Louis  was excited because he could share this experience with his grandkids and his new little buddy, Rosco the beagle. Sometimes Rosco sat higher in the seat than Louis and probably could see much better…quite a sight.

Of all of the things Louis collected over his 73 years, his most beloved treasure was his family. OUR FAMILY!

LOUIS WAS ONE OF OUR TREASURES. ONE OF OUR LOVED AND CHERISHED PIECES TO OUR COLLECTION. He was many things to many people, but to us, HE WAS FAMILY AND THAT’S EVERYONE’S GREATEST TREASURE.

WE WILL ALL MISS BIG LOU. Life will be different, hard and sad without him in it. We all have our memories…treasures…of Louis. Even though our hearts are breaking now, they will heal once we are greeted by him and all our loved ones who have journeyed before us. Our time on earth is precious and the time we get to spend with loved ones is even more precious so treasure every moment and memory and keep them close to your heart.

When Louis was about to leave this world, his nurse asked if he liked listening to music, Cheryl said old time country music. The nurse turned on the radio and Louis’ favorite artist and song, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones was playing. We believe it was Louis’ way of saying “Goodbye,” at least for now, and saying “I love you” one more time.

I know everyone was there to greet you Louis and I bet a few even had the newest, latest, and greatest fishing poles to give you. I am sure there is a special, secret spot, that is really great,  with fish….THIS BIG in it.  Enjoy your reunion with old friends and family Louis and please give them hugs and let them know how much we love and miss them all.

WE ALL LOVE and miss you so much Louis and until we see you again – GOOD FISHING BIG LOU!

Louis is lovingly remembered and greatly missed by the love of his life, his wife, Cheryl (Hanson) Banholzer, son, Louis C. Banholzer, daughter Carissa (Hodges) Banholzer, grandchildren Ethan Banholzer, Madison, and Alexis (Hodges) Banholzer and his buddy, Rosco

Louis is proceeded in death by his parents, Floyd and Mary (Harris) Banholzer and brother, Buddy Banholzer and deeply loved and missed by brothers, Kenny and Roy Banholzer, and sister, Barb (Tim) Wycoff.

Louis will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his brothers-in-law John (deceased) (Donna) Hanson, David (Elizabeth Tucker) Hanson, Nick Hanson, and Darrell (Dianne) Hanson.

Visitaiton will be on Wednesday September 22^nd from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East.