Louis Takacs, age 85, of Grand Marais, died unexpectedly at his home, Friday, October 27, 2006. He was born on October 12, 1921 in Elyria, Ohio to Louis and Anna (Toth) Takacs. Louis served an apprenticeship as a bricklayer and then entered into WWII in the U.S. Army on November 27, 1942. He served in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater and was in battles and campaigns at Rhineland and Central Europe. He earned the Expert Infantryman and Combat Infantry Badges, EAME Theater Ribbon with two bronze stars, American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, Bronze Star Medal, and the Victory Medal. Louis was discharged on January 5, 1946. During his service time, he married Geraldine DeRosia in Trenton, NY on July 21, 1944. Louis and Geraldine returned to the Southgate and Lincoln Park areas where he continued his career as a bricklayer and was a member of the Union over fifty years. He also worked part time at the Good Shepherd Credit Union in Lincoln Park and eventually became the fulltime manager. Louis was a member of the V.F.W. #552 in Lincoln Park. He and Geraldine moved to Grand Marais and were members of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. They were married over forty-seven years when Geraldine preceded him in death on May 8, 1992. Louis loved his independent life and enjoyed the outdoors. He liked hunting, fishing, and especially enjoyed camping with his family.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law – Edward and Linda Takacs of Limestone; daughters and sons-in-law – Sherryl and Andrew Faltum Fredricksburg, VA, Kathleen Clark of Clawson, MI, Karen Takacs of Berkley, MI, Marsha and Chris Richter of Lincoln Park, MI, and Nora and Joe Case of Manistique; sixteen grandchildren – John, Michael, Robin, James, Chris, David, Paul, Erin, Kyle, Beth, Jill, Brandon, Cory, Alisa, Cassandra, and Joseph; and great-grandchildren – Chanse and Maxwell. Louis was preceded in death by his parents, wife Geraldine, brother Joseph, and sons-in-law Sanders Clark and Patrick Burkett.

Visitation will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Monday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Holy Rosary Church in Grand Marais at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, 2006. Interment will be at the Holy Rosary Cemetery, where the Alger County Veterans Council and the American Legion Honor Guard will conduct Military Honors.

Submitted by Char Livermore