Louis R. Froehlich
“Happy to help. Happy to play. Happy to love.”
These three statements have evolved into a simple phrase that has become the spirit of Louis’s approach to life, since penned days after that traumatic night, when tragically he departed from this lifetime as a result of being struck by a drunken driver.
Louis, our 19-year-old son, was nicknamed, Louie. Louis lived life with the warmest smile and joy towards others from the time he was a baby. He was such a happy kid who grew into a young man who was thoughtful of others by wanting to help make life easier and usually a lot more fun!
He loved to help his dad and brother with projects, such as building mini-bikes, go-karts, and all kinds of wooden things. He was happiest being with his big brother, Cole, especially when riding their mini-bikes, swimming in the pool, or watching movies together! He was self-taught in playing the drums and racing RC cars. He loved to perform BMX bike tricks and backflips. Realizing his passion for high-intensity sports, in high school he started diving on the school swim and dive team. His Senior year was an exciting moment for him to accomplish a triple somersault at the state finals competition! But, for Louis, it wasn’t about the attention or how well he placed; he was going to have fun with his teammates and competitors, meanwhile, pushing himself to the limits of gravity!
Louis was a hard worker and was just starting his career in home construction. He was working as a craftsman, painting and staining woodwork. He had a passion for being part of his co-worker team, working towards facing challenges and fixing things. He built friendships along the way, among the young and old. You could always expect a big hug from Louie! He was silly and playful. Louis just loved to make people smile and laugh. He would make up his own, funny little sayings. Those sayings ring in our minds now to give us moments of feeling close to him. One that gets us through these tough days is “Ha ba ga dah!” That’s his code for “Have a good day!”. He’d say this as he walked out the door! His big dream was to become a well-known musician, playing drums in a band. But he had spiritual dreams, too. He was a follower of Jesus, as well as an active member of our church. He expressed one day of possibly becoming a Deacon. He cared about everyone and would stand up for anyone he felt was being hurt.
He had a fierce love of his extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and his 40+ cousins who are all so close, they are more like siblings! He impacted his family & friends with his happy-go-lucky personality and his way of including people. He was a role model for what a kind, Christian, and loving teen could be. We are deeply sorrowful to have lost his life along with his chance to grow up with us as we continue life’s adventures here on this earth.
So we write this tribute on behalf of who he is. As his mother and father, we are honored to have been able to care for him, nurture him, and our love for him has grown even deeper still. We recall vividly a conversation he and Dad had one day. He was the one to encourage Dad to mark “yes” for organ donation on his renewal application. He said, “Pops, you’re not gonna need those parts when you go! Just be a donor!” So, we desire to be part of his ripple effect to improve lives, through sharing his story that may inspire others by his example in the action of checking “yes” on that box to donate organs.
Lastly, what we truly want others to know most about our Louis is that he showed many people love, compassion, and joy through his most beautiful blue eyes that he ultimately donated.
“We walk by faith, not by sight,” that we will see him again.
With your generosity, we can continue to recognize and support the families whose loved ones made the gift of sight possible.
Please consider making a donation today.
Your gift today means care and support for these families tomorrow and strengthens the mission of the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. Thank you for your kindness and for helping us honor those who give the gift of sight.
