Louis Drinovsky

Louis J. Drinovsky, 91, passed away on August 3, 2024, at Mayo Clinic in La Crosse.
Louis was born on June 7, 1933, to Louis E. and Minnie (Danker) Drinovsky in Traer, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Mary Giampapa June 12, 1954. Together they had 6 children. LaVae Marie, Louis John Jr., Stephen, Lynette (passed), Robert (passed) and Daniel (passed).
He was later united in marriage to Billie Sue Sayers on November 16, 1967. Together they had two children, Corrine and Jeffrey. Lou is a retired Navy Veteran of 22 years. He was a proud employee of several schools and churches post Navy retirement for janitorial services. He enjoyed camping and a little fishing and dabbling in hunting after moving to Wisconsin.
Louis was preceded in death by his father Louis, mother Minnie and his sister Dorothy. He is survived by his children LaVae, Louis Jr., Stephen, Corrine and Jeffrey.
From his beloved children.
I (Corrine) wrote a memorial for my mom, Billie, when she passed away in 2006 but was unable to compose
myself to deliver it so the pastor agreed to read it for me at her service. Likely I won't be able to compose
myself self to deliver Dad's but somehow, I feel differently though just as sad. I feel more at peace knowing they are together. Dad married twice and had a total of eight children and family was everything. Dad had to
fiercely fought for his family many times because he loved his children so much. But Dad also had another love, Wisconsin. Dad fell in love with Wisconsin while going camping with family and moved here because of its beauty and peaceful serenity that Wisconsin provided him and his family. Dad lived out his last 4 1/2 years in Pigeon Falls Care Center in his own independent living apartment. Independence was a goal in his life as he got older.
Dad did almost everything for himself. He hated to ask for help because he didn't want to relinquish any
aspect of his independence. It made him stronger, smarter and more powerful, and it made him happy having
the ability to live beyond any other family member that he knew of and doing it on his own with very little help
from others. He mostly maintained his cute little apartment. He vacuumed, washed dishes, put away his
laundry. For entertainment, he loved playing games and going down to hear the bands and the singers, and
Kabitzing with his friends as he calls it. He often said who would ever believe you could have so much fun in a
nursing home. He was a very proud man. Almost immediately after moving in he didn't just befriend, Dad be-
family'd everyone at Pigeon. They were his family. He made that little apartment his home just as he made
every house his home and that's what I realized on my walk up the hillside on his property where my brother
and his wife now lives.
I didn't feel that same connection I felt like when my mom passed away because that house was still where Dad was living. I knew I had to go to his apartment. That's what I was missing, I wasn't at his home because his home was his apartment and now his home is Heaven. Home IS where you are. He lived valiantly until the end. Dad pretty much passed away just like he wanted to, peacefully in his sleep with no pain. He was ready for the next step into eternity with his loved ones he had lost on this earth and to reunite with Billie, his wife of only 39 years. I will always be sad to no longer have a full conversation with Dad but as I start to feel sad I turn to rejoice in the fact that Dad is no longer in pain and aging into dependency.
Instead of sadness I see happiness for him and that makes me happy. I will see him again. I know that because I was taught by both my parents how to be a good human being. How to be morally decent to others. But also, how to be strong in my convictions and live life to the fullest for the right reasons. Dad deserved more from family, he wanted more from family, but he was accepting of what he had. I hope I made him proud of who I became. I know he made me proud of who he became. He's my best friend and I made sure I told him that every time I saw him. Enjoy your new serenity, Dad. I will let you have your time reuniting with your loved ones but I'm coming one day and we'll continue our journey then. I love you and Mom so much.
He left behind a legacy of love, dedication and strength. He was a devoted father whose pride in and
unconditional love for his children was evident to all who knew him. He was known for his fun nature, work
ethic, and unwavering commitment to his family. He exemplified the values of hard work and deep family
bonds, shaping the lives of those around him. His children will forever carry forward his legacy, honoring his
memory by upholding the principles he held dear. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the
profound impact he made on his family and friends.
We want to acknowledge the loving care and support given to Dad by his extended family at Pigeon Falls Care
Center. Without this group of loving folks Dad would not have had the fulfilled life he certainly did during his
last years. Thank you so much to the wonderful staff and their fellow residents. He truly loved each and every one of you as family.
The celebration of life open house for Louis will be held from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with military honors at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Pigeon Falls Care Center on Church St Pigeon Falls, WI.