Louis M. Winslow, age 97, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, March 15, 2023.

Louis, the son of Melvin Winslow and Abigail McLennan Winslow, was born on January 5, 1926, at the farm home of his parents near Belle Plaine. He attended Walnut Creek/Jefferson No.1 School in Poweshiek County through the eighth grade and graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1943. Following graduation, he prepared to enlist in the air corps during World War II, but was needed on the farm so was deferred.

Louis married Lillian Maude Beck on April 25, 1948, at the Christ United Methodist Church in Belle Plaine. They loved each other and their life on the Winslow family farm and were grateful to be in their 75th year of marriage. They lived on the farm until moving to Lakeview Village in Amana, Iowa, in 2016.

Louis was a faithful servant of the Lord and deeply involved in his local church. He began serving as an usher as a young man, which is when he first caught Lillian's eye. In later years, Louis developed a ministry of audio recording for the Sunday services. He and Lillian delivered the cassette tapes every Sunday to homebound parishioners. Throughout their lives, they loved Bible study and supporting missionary work and various Christian endeavors.

Louis was a life-long learner, a creative problem solver, and had a spirit of innovation. He enjoyed farming, raising beef cattle, shearing sheep, and doing custom fieldwork. Louis also worked at Amana Refrigeration in Amana for 25 years. His many varied interests included photography, training Labrador retrievers, hunting and fishing, and receiving patents on two ring puzzles.

Louis and Lillian enjoyed attending family reunions and many of their children's and grandchildren's activities as they were growing up, including concerts, sports, and plays. Louis and Lillian had a special interest in preserving the history of the community. They helped organize the Oak Hill Cemetery Walk for two years and were active members of the Belle Plaine Historical Museum. In 2008, they were honored as the Parade Marshals of the Belle Plaine 4th of July parade.

Surviving are his wife, Lillian; three children, Francine (Harlan) Lemke of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Doug of Coralville, Iowa, and Bonnie Winslow-Garvin of North Liberty, Iowa; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Abigail; three sisters, Irene Williams, and Jane and Carol Winslow; and son-in-law, Michael Garvin.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Christ United Methodist Church.

The Winslow family would like to extend their gratitude to all the staff at Lakeview Village and Colonial Manor in Amana and Essence of Life Hospice for their loving care.

Source: Hrabak~Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine, Iowa [edited] Added by Mary Hammill Rund