Louis Schaub

As family and friends can attest, Louis Schaub truly understood the secret to living life to the fullest. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he treasured his loved ones above all else. Louis was always willing to go above and beyond to help those around him. His kindness and charity allowed him to touch the lives of countless others, and his endurance and resilience were a shining testament to his inner character. Deeply loved by those who knew him best, Louis will be forever missed.

The 1920s were primarily prosperous days in America. Innovation brought us noteworthy advancements like the washing machine, motion pictures in both color and sound, and cars that were mass produced on assembly lines. It was during this exciting time that Louis and Theresa Schaub were pleased to announce the births of their twin boys, Louis and Franic, on January 10, 1928, in Lake Leelanau, Michigan.

Growing up, Louis Thomas was a typical young man of his generation. He was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, Francis, Theresa, Ottila, and Charlotte. Louis and his twin brother, Francis, claimed the spots as the third and fourth children in the family. Louis’ father supported the family by working as a farmer, and his mother dedicated herself to raising her children and creating a wonderful home. Throughout his childhood, Louis grew very close to his siblings, forming lifelong relationships.

As a student, Louis was determined to succeed and do his very best. He attended St. Mary of the Assumption School in Leelanau from kindergarten all the way through the twelfth grade, then went on to graduate in 1946 as the salutatorian of his class. Louis was also honored to be the class president. Following his high school graduation, he began working with his father on the farm while his brother was in the service. During the winter months Louis balanced his work with classes at Michigan State University. In 1953, he felt the call to bravely serve his country and join the military and learned the skills of a surveyor while stationed in Texas.

After leaving the Army in 1953, Louis accepted a job with the Michigan Department of Transportation, work that he would continue to do faithfully for over 40 years. At first, he remained stationed in Traverse City. Louis would leave for work during the week and return home for the weekends. He was later transferred to Grand Rapids, where he settled into a room on the Northwest side of the city. Louis began attending St. James Catholic Church as well.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Louis as he met the love of his life. Her name was Judith Hascher, and he first noticed her around his neighborhood and church. In 1958, Louis managed to introduce himself on Judith’s birthday and asked her on a date for the following Saturday. He was working in St. Joseph at the time and planned to pick her up immediately after work. Unfortunately, Louis didn’t show up, so Judith left alone. As it turned out, he was having car trouble and arrived at ten that night to find Judith’s father waiting at home. Mr. Hascher informed Louis that Judith was neither happy nor impressed with him. However, the two managed to work things out at church the next day, and they went out on the first date the following Saturday. Louis and Judith enjoyed frequently going out to breakfast at the Knife and Fork in the Pantlind Hotel. Over the next year, their relationship continued to blossom, and it didn’t take the two long to realize that they were made for each other. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Louis and Judith were married in the presence of family and friends on May 9, 1959, at St. James Church. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Niagara Falls before settling back home in St. Joseph. Soon after that, they purchased a home together on Richards NW.

All who knew Louis can certainly agree that, of all the things he loved in life, he valued his family above all else. He and Judith were overjoyed to expand their family and welcome their seven beloved children, Thomas, Lisa, Eileen, David, Dan, Susan, and James, into their hearts and home. Louis was devoted to his family and did his best to raise his children into kind and hardworking individuals. His work often took him away from home all week, allowing him to spend only weekends at home with his family. When he was home, Louis helped out in whatever way he could and never questioned how Judith handled the household finances. Unfortunately, tragedy struck the Schaub family when Susan and James passed away, but they were always able to look back with fondness and love.

Never one to sit still for long, Louis pursued several hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He loved spending time at Lake Leelanau and being with family, so summers at the lake were naturally the source of countless joyous memories. Louis’ brother, Francis, also had a fruit farm there. Louis enjoyed the snow and liked to shovel throughout his whole life. He loved to read history books and watch television shows and sports, especially football and basketball. Louis’ faith was a very influential part of his life. He was an active member of the St. James Catholic Church and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and he served as a lector and Eucharistic minister at both churches. Later in life, Louis slowed down a bit and remained close to home.

When reflecting on the life of Louis Schaub, it is easy to see his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was known to be a loner and more on the quiet side, but he was never afraid to speak up when surrounded by those who knew him best. In everything he did, Louis was a shining example of kindness and humility. His faith and serving spirit allowed him to serve those around him. Though he will be deeply missed, Louis leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

SCHAUB – Mr. Louis Thomas Schaub age 94, of Grand Rapids, passed away on February 3, 2022. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Schaub; son, James Schaub; grandson, Todd Kraemer; granddaughter, Jane Kraemer; and siblings, Francis Schaub, Theresa Schaub, Sister Ottilia Schaub OP and Sister Charlotte Schaub OP. Louis is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judith (Hascher) Schaub; children, Thomas Schaub, Lisa (Fred) Kraemer, Eileen (Jerome) Henson, David Schaub and Dan Schaub; grandchildren, Robert Kraemer, Irene Kraemer, Hannah Henson, Grant Henson, Zachary Schaub and Will Schaub; 5 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Jean Schaub. Louis worked for the MDOT for over 40 years and was active in his Catholic Faith, serving at St. James and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Tuesday February 8, 2022 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 224 Carrier St NE Grand Rapids 49505. Visitation will begin at 10AM until the start of Mass. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to Help Pregnancy Crisis Center. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to read Louis’s life story, submit a favorite memory, photo or to sign the guestbook online.