Louis Paul "Louie" Hebert Jr.

Louis "Louie" Paul Hebert, Jr., 79, of Lafayette passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 2, 2015, following a courageous battle with congestive heart failure.

Louie was born on April 27, 1936, the son of Louis Paul and Emily (Boos) Hebert. He grew up on the family farm in Chippewa City, helping his dad with daily chores in the barn. He attended Notre Dame Grade School and graduated from McDonell High School in 1954.

Louie served in the U.S. Army and married Zella-marie Diercks in December of 1954. Louie worked on his dairy farm, milking about 100 cows twice daily. They had three children: Debra, Melanie, and Louis Paul III (Buck).

Shortly after Zella-marie's death in 1971, Louie worked as an electrician for Hudson Electric. In 1974, he married Yvonne Meuli Nelson, who had five children: Terry, Karla, Scott, Kriss, and Kurt. He became involved in Chippewa Yellow Bus Company; eventually he became president and founded Chippewa Trials, Inc. For many years, Louie proudly transported countless groups across the country, including the UW-EC basketball team, Olympic teams, and even a U.S. President. For many winters, Louie and Yvonne spent the cold months in Florida on organized bus trips, making countless wonderful friends and enjoying the sun.

Throughout his life, Louie participated in various organizations. He was active in the Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, and Shriners. He served as President of both McDonell and Chi Hi Booster Clubs. He was very proud to be a life-long member of Notre Dame Catholic Church.

Louie loved people. He always had time to lend an ear, give a friendly bit of advice, or tell a story or two. Louie was often on "Hebert time," which meant he was occasionally running a little late. He had a passion for sports, whether it was cheering for his grandchildren, coaching McDonell football, or watching the Packers or Fighting Irish. He also enjoyed playing cards with his wife and friends, usually taking home a profit.

Louie is survived by: his wife of 40 years, Yvonne Hebert; eight children, Terry (Brenda) Nelson, Debra Sykora, Karla (Jeff) Novak, Scott (Karla) Nelson, Melanie (Rick) Erce, Kriss (Brenda) Nelson, Louis Paul III (Kelly) Hebert, and Kurt Nelson; a brother, Tom Hebert; two sisters-in-law, Ione Hebert and Mary Jo Meuli; 20 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by: his parents, Louis Paul and Emily Hebert; his first wife, Zella-marie Hebert; four sisters, Doris Gelina, Louise Carroll, Mixie Overkamp, and Mary Ann Hebert and a brother, Stephen Hebert.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls. Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will be celebrant of the funeral Mass. Interment will be in Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. Military rites will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 7 and until 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls. There will be a Christian vigil service at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.horanfuneralhome.com