Louis Arthur Salzwedel was born September 30 ^th , 1934 in the town of Manchester Wisconsin to Fred and Edna (Vogel) Salzwedel. Louis attended Manchester Grade School, graduated Markesan High School, and went on to graduate the Ag Short Course at the University of Wisconsin in Madison with the Degree of American Farmer. As a young man Louis was active in both 4-H and FFA raising and showing Poland China hogs and Holstein cattle.

On October 5 ^th , 1955 he married Marilyn Miller.  Soon after they purchased the farm adjacent to the home farm and for many years worked the two farms together with his father, uncle, and brother. In 1978 Louis purchased the Hitching Post bar in Manchester, and eventually the Silver Spur Saloon in Kingston, which he operated for many years as well as trucking hogs for local farmers. In 1998 Louis married Robin Heidt. In 2018 he moved to the Barrett House in Markesan.

Louis was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church.  His family donated the land on which the church and school now stand.

If you would search the definition of the phrase "He'd give you the shirt off his back" you'd likely see Louis's picture. Whether you knew him as Louis, Louie, Big Lou or Papa Lou, he'd greet you with a smile and a wink and always had a story or joke. He was blessed with hundreds of friends and was a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

With his health failing, in the early morning hours of May 15 ^th , 2020, Big Lou said, "Enough is enough" and passed away peacefully with his family nearby. He's now swapping tall tales and shaking dice with many of his pals that went on before him.

Louis was proceeded in death by his parents; his brother, Ralph; his first wife, Marilyn, and son-in-law, Randall. Louis leaves behind 6 children and stepchildren, Mark (Cindy) Salzwedel, Beth (Randall) Funk, Paul (Jen) Salzwedel, Aaron (Laura) Baggett, Heather (Bugsey) Jahns, Keith (Alex) Heidt; his second wife, Robin Zills, along with 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at a future date. The family would like to thank the Barrett House, Hospice Hope, and Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services along with their staff for their compassion and care.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.