Louis “Louie” August Spletzer, a cherished father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 4, 2025, in St. Joseph, Michigan, at the age of 96. Born on August 21, 1928, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, to August and Emma (Zelmer) Spletzer.
Louie was a graduate of Berrien Springs High School in 1947. On June 3, 1950, he married Shirley Ann Ridenour, in St. Joseph, Michigan, marking the beginning of a partnership that would endure for decades until her passing in 2018. Louie was also preceded in death by his son, Wayne; 4 brothers and 5 sisters.
Louie is survived by his three daughters, Debra Nelson of Niles, Paula (Jack) Lybrook of Berrien Springs, and Linda Spletzer of Berrien Springs, seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews and his half-sister, Sharon Malone.
Louie’s life was deeply rooted in the land he loved. After his mother’s passing at the age of 11, Louie was raised by his Aunt Helen and Uncle Oscar Zeilke on the farm that later became his family farm where he and Shirley raised their 4 children. While farming he also worked full time for Studebaker in South Bend before joining Clark Equipment Company in Benton Harbor and retired upon their closure after 28 years.
Beyond his work on the farm, the part he enjoyed the most was being in the seat of his tractor or his backhoe/front-end loader doing various projects for others. He had a passion for collecting large rocks, finding beauty in their size, shape and color and displaying them wherever he could. He was a familiar face at local coffee shops where he enjoyed spirited conversation with friends and neighbors.
Cremation has taken place and his family has chosen to remember him privately.
Louis August Spletzer will be remembered as a man who cultivated not just the land, but also the hearts of those around him. His memory will be cherished, his stories retold, and his presence deeply missed.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home, Berrien Springs. www.AllredFuneralHome.com.
Posted On: Monday, June 9, 2025 4:20 PM
