Louis “Louie” V. Santini, 89, a long time West Bend, Wisconsin resident, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 14, 2016, re-joining his beloved wife, Phyllis.
Louie was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan on August 23, 1926 to Pasquale and Constanza (Lerza). He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and worked at Warner Mine in the mid-50s.
In 1954 he married Phyllis Francois and moved to Port Washington, Wisconsin, where he worked as a welder. In 1960, they purchased and operated Luigi’s Supper Club on Wisconsin Street in Port Washington.
In 1964 he moved to West Bend where he held several positions including millwright and union official. He was an active parishioner at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church and enjoyed volunteering at St. Joseph’s Hospital in West Bend.
Louie had a lifelong love of singing and entertaining. He performed at supper clubs in the Iron Mountain area, where his music career began. He was known as “Luigi” and “The Butcher Boy” and is remembered for his appearances at the Amidon Follies and Italian Festival in Iron Mountain. He appeared on a Milwaukee television program called “Hotshots.”
Louie will always be remembered for his vibrant personality and breaking into song wherever he went, whether it be the grocery store, the doctor’s office, or a family gathering. Many brides were serenaded on their wedding day if Louie was in attendance.
Louie enjoyed bird-watching and gardening, particularly raising tomatoes for his famous homemade spaghetti sauce. He was an avid Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Brewer fan. He was frequently spotted at his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.
He is survived by his children Maureen Santini, Kathleen (Michael) Lighthizer, Louis P. (Carol Roberts) Santini and four grandchildren, Melanie and Jake Santini, Brian (Jaclynn Wall) Lighthizer and Adam Lighthizer. Also surviving are three great grandchildren, Taylor, Cole and Ryleigh Lighthizer.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, who died in 2015; his son, Tony, who died in 1977; seven siblings and his parents.
For the last several years he resided at Serenity Villa Assisted Living in Slinger, Wisconsin.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Serenity Villa for their loving care and for becoming an extended family to both Louie and Phyllis. Thank you also to Horizon Hospice for their compassionate care.
Arrivederci, dad. We’ll miss you.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 2:00 PM at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church (1025 S 7th Ave, West Bend, WI 53095) with Fr. Enrique Hernandez and Fr. Gregory Michaud presiding.
The Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel (1420 W Paradise Drive, West Bend, WI 53095). Interment at Washington County Memorial Park will take place immediately following the Mass.