Lou Moncher

1924 - 2021

Lou Moncher
1924-2021
Martinez
Lou was born in 1924 in Oakland CA to 2 European immigrants. His youth was spent roaming the Oakland hills with his life long friends Andy and Jack. World War II had begun when Lou graduated from high school. He chose to enlist in the Navy thinking that he would have a better chance of surviving the conflict than being on the ground in the Army. Lou was assigned to the USS Sangamon, an oil tanker converted into an aircraft carrier, as a radio operator. In May 1945, a kamikaze hit the ship creating major damage and fire. The operator on duty was killed. It wasn't Lou. He became known as Lucky Louie to his friends. After his discharge, Lou attended Merritt Business College where he met Greta. They were married in 1950 and lived in Martinez, CA where Lou became an accountant for Shell Oil. In 1953, Lynn, their daughter was born and in 1955 the family moved to Wanda Way where Lou lived until his last breath. Snow skiing was a long time pleasure for Lou. He was introduced to the sport by Greta's parents and didn't stop until he was 84. Tennis and golf became a big part of his retirement. Throwing in the racquet and clubs when he felt he couldn't be competitive any more. Greta died in 2006. That same year, Lou was introduced to Betty Vanden Heuvel by mutual friends and were together until his passing.


View the online memorial for Lou Moncher