Aloise Louie Hlede

Aloise Hlede Aloise (Louie) Hlede passed away in Swedish Hospital in Seattle on November 13, 2005. He was born in Enumclaw to Anton and Emelija Hlede. Louie's parents arrived from Austria and in 1928 moved to Buckley. They bought 50 acres and started the Hlede Dairy Farm where Louie grew up and he learned to raise fine Holstein cows and horses. Louie never thought of doing anything else in his life but farming. Over the years along with his brother Don he helped to enlarge the dairy to one of the finest Holstein heads in the area. He always said "Dairy farming is not just a job – It's your life." In 1986 the Hlede Dairy received the "Dairy Farm of the Year" award from the U.S. Dept of Agriculture Conservation Districts. In the year 2000 the Dairy was recognized with the highest award for its "Contribution to clean water in the South Puget Sound water shed from the Washington State Dept. of Ecology. Louie believed we are just caretakers of good farm land and needed to preserve it. Along with running the dairy Louie always found time to volunteer for community projects. He was a member of the Order of Odd Fellows and a longtime member of the Marion Grange. He was active in local 4-H projects and enjoyed helping young kids learn about farming. He also served as president of the Buckley Cascade Trail Riders. He was a very good horseman and trained horses from working in the fields to barrel racing and rodeo. To sum it up, Louie was a master of many trades or the typical American farmer. Louie is survived by his sisters Amelia, Rose and Antonia and many relatives in Europe. His brothers Doniel and Anton preceded him in death. His cheerfulness and good outlook on life will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Foothills Historical Society or St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Buckley, Washington. A Rosary service will be held Tues., Nov. 22, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m., both at St. Aloysius Catholic Church. Service directed by Weeks' Funeral Home, Buckley. Please sign the online guest book at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com