Louis Leonard Loushin, age 98, of Butte, Montana passed away on March 26, 2024. Louie was born on October 25, 1925, in Aspen, Colorado. In search of more opportunities and better working conditions, the family moved to Butte when Louie was 3 years old. Like many other families at that time, he and his 6 siblings endured difficult times during the years of the Great Depression. Louie worked hard as a young boy selling newspapers on the street corners of uptown Butte to help with his family’s needs. When he was a little older, his job was to set the pins at one of local bowling alleys.
At the young age of 17, Louie enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II and served aboard the battleship USS Iowa. He saw action in the campaigns of the Marshall Islands, Caroline Islands, Mariana Islands, the Battle of the Philippine Sea, and the Battle of Okinawa. He was involved in some of the largest battles in the Pacific War such as the Battles of Truk, Saipan, Peleliu, and Leyte Gulf. His ship also provided protection screening for carriers at Luzon and Formosa. On December 18, 1944, the crew of the Iowa found themselves in a fight for their lives when they were caught in Typhoon Cobra, also known as Halsey’s Typhoon. Three destroyers capsized and sank with almost all hands lost. Louie said that day was the most fearful experience that he had in all of the war.
After the war, Louie worked for the Anaconda Company. He was a hoisting engineer for over 40 years until the Anaconda Company closed in the early 1980s. Louie was a true Butte miner and he was very proud of his career. With his amazing gift of storytelling, he enjoyed volunteering as a mine tour guide for the Mining Museum and continued to give tours and interviews into his mid 90s. He worked on almost every engine in town and he was the last surviving hoist engineer in Butte.
Louie married Marie Kochevar in Sacred Heart Church on August 19, 1951. They had two children, Greg and Lynn. Their marriage of over 72 years was full of love, laughs, family and friends. Louie loved family get togethers and he and Marie were always hosting dinners and parties so they could be surrounded by their family and friends. They also loved to travel and were blessed with wonderful memories of camping, road trips, cruises and trips to numerous places including Norway and Yugoslavia. Louie loved to hunt, fish and make wood carvings. He was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed supporting both of the high schools in Butte. He was a true New York Yankee, Indianapolis Colt and Montana Grizzlies fan and hardly missed a Griz home football game.
Louie was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen; brothers, Frank (Corine) and Albert (Henrietta); sisters, Albina (Bill) Virant, Helen (Harry) Weir, Ethel (Mike) Mihelich, and Mary (Antone) Panion; mother and father-in-law, Joseph and Francis Kochevar; brother-in-law, Ed Kochevar; and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.
Louie is survived by his wife, Marie and his children, Greg (Kris) Loushin and Lynn (Len) Janson; grandchildren, Bryan (Jess) Loushin, Brodie Loushin, Molly (Bryan) McNabb, Kaci Janson, and Cory (Sara) Janson; great-grandchildren, Emma, Nora, Tanner, Lucy, Hanna, Kelton, Kyler, and Maysen. Also survived by sisters-in-law, Carol (Joe) Kump and Beverly Kochevar; and numerous special nieces, nephews, and friends.
Louie’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation for Dr. Pullman, Erin Williams-Leber, the nurses on the 5th floor at St James Hospital, Stillwater Hospice, and the staff at Copper Ridge Nursing Home who all provided such loving care to Louie.
As Louie said before he passed, “I had a great run and have no regrets.”
We will always love you, Dad and you will truly be missed!
Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Thursday, April 4th at Holy Spirit Church, 4400 Continental Drive, with visitation beginning at 10am. Military Honors will follow at the church following mass. Louis will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery during a private ceremony for his family.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Louie.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Louis and his family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m.
Thursday April 4, 2024
Holy Spirit Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Thursday April 4, 2024
Holy Spirit Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
Military Honors
Following Mass
Thursday April 4, 2024
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m.
Thursday April 4, 2024
Holy Spirit Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Thursday April 4, 2024
Holy Spirit Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
Military Honors
Following Mass
Thursday April 4, 2024
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
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LeeRoy DeJohn says
The Loushin Family
My deepest sympathy in your loss and my thoughts prays, are with you all Lou, was a great person who will be sadly missed, may his memories comfort you at this time, if there is anything I can do for you please let me know
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND WATCH OVER YOU.
Theresa Dennehy says
One of the very best. So glad I have such great memories of him. Bless you all. Cherish the memories. Bless Marie, Greg, Kris and family.
Marie Walsh says
We send our love and sympathy to Marie, Greg, Kris and all of the family. Lou was a special friend and neighbor to all of us for many years. Praying for God’s peace to all your family as you bid farewell to this wonderful man. God bless you.
Shelia Case Schumacher says
I am so sorry of Lou’s passing Marie,Greg and Kris he was a great neighbor from the East Side may he RIP
Nancy and Tom Sparks says
Sorry to hear of Lou’s passing,thoughts and prayers to the family
Debra Williams says
The Darragh family is so sorry to hear of Louie’s passing. What a great man and family friend. Sincere sympathy to Marie and family.
Charlene Warren says
Lynn, Greg and family members –
I am so very sorry Lynn and Greg to read of your father’s passing. It is so very hard to lose our parents. You were blessed to have them for the years you have had them. Let these memories carry you through this tough time and know there are many of us thinking of you and yours.
Charlene Conniston Warren
Gary Kump says
Louie was one of a kind! He was one of the kindness men I ever met and had a great sense of humor! I have fond memories of the many times we spent making pasties for the Lady of the Rockies which he did well into his nineties. I also greatly appreciate his honorable military service and enjoyed the stories he told about his experiences aboard the Battleship Iowa! Rest in peace Lou!
Chris & Lori Kochevar says
No words are enough. Good bye Uncle Lou.
Jack Barnes says
He was one of the nicest people I have ever met. We had a great time at some of our party’s. He will be missed very much.
Dannette Simon says
So sorry for your loss Marie my prayers family
Larry C Hoffman says
What a good guy! Seeing the expression on his face when he pulled the throttle on the Steward chippie engine, 40 years after he thought he’d never do it again, was one of the high points of my life. He had a good long shift and I’m glad he caught the cage up. 2-1, Louie!
Patty Eva says
I am so sorry for your loss. Now we have another angel watching over us all.
Chriss W. says
An honor to care for your father.
Cathy West says
Marie, Greg, Kris and families, I am sorry to hear of Louie’s passing. He was one of the nicest men I have ever met. I have so many fond memories of him and your family. Rest in peace sweet Louie, you will be missed by so many.