Louis Claeys

Louis A. Claeys, a devoted family man and compassionate soul, passed away on December 22, 2024, at the age of 80 after a struggle with cancer. His life was a testament to kindness, generosity, and deep empathy.
Born on May 9, 1944, in Mount Clemens, Louis grew up in New Baltimore, Michigan. He attended St. Mary's Elementary School and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1963. That fall, he embarked on his college journey at St. Joseph College in Collegeville, Indiana. In February 1966, Louis answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Navy. He graduated from the Navy Electronics School in Great Lakes, Illinois. During the Vietnam War, Louis served with distinction aboard the USS Bennington (CVS-20). Louis concluded his active duty in November 1969, but continued to serve his country as a dedicated Navy reservist.
In the weeks following his transition from active service, Louis met Carol Cole, and they quickly fell in love. He proposed just two weeks later and they were married on August 8, 1970.
For 23 years, Louis worked as an electrician at General Motors Powertrain Division in Warren, Michigan, retiring in July 2006. Post-retirement, Louis and Carol relocated to Marshall, Michigan, to be closer to their two granddaughters.
Louis was a man of diverse interests and talents. He cherished time with family, enjoyed biking, sailing, playing the keyboard, riding motorcycles (on and off-road), tinkering in his wood shop, helping out at church and iceboating. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing hockey, playing the accordion, tutoring math, and raising tropical fish. As a master gardener, he enjoyed gardening and had an extraordinary green thumb. Deeply committed to environmental conservation, Louis lived his values daily.
Survived by daughter Cathy (David) Sanford, granddaughters Autumn and Samantha Sanford, brother Rich Claeys, sister Deb Hawkins, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife Carol Claeys (Cole), parents Bertha M. Claeys and Louis R. Claeys, and sisters Marie Percowcyz and Barbara Young.
Louis's legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for family will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be profoundly missed. A springtime celebration of life is being planned to honor Louis. Memorial donations may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).