He grew up on the family farm in Valparaiso, Nebraska. Louis had two younger siblings, Loyd and Ellen. He attended school in Agnew. In high school, he played the trumpet and was in the choir. Louis also played football, basketball, and participated in track. He met his future wife, Margaret Strizek, in high school. After high school, he joined the Navy and was assigned to Fighter Squadron 101, USNAS Key West, Florida, where he fulfilled the following positions and duties: Aviation Metal Smith, Air Craft Welding, A/C Hydraulics, and Aviation Structural Mechanic. He utilized those skills on a USNAS Aircraft Carrier traveling around the world.
When he returned from the service, Louis married Margaret Strizek on August 22, 1959, and moved to Lincoln. Louis and Margaret had six children. They had five daughters and finally got their son! Louis always had a strong work ethic first working at Sealtest Dairy and then Meadow Gold Dairy where he was a delivery driver and route salesmen for 33 years. When he retired from Meadow Gold, he delivered trucks for Ryder and liquor for Russ’s and Super Saver. He also kept busy with a small lawn service business with his son. Louis was a very strong man who beat cancer three times throughout his life. Louis and Margaret moved back to the family homestead in Valparaiso in 2001 where his 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren loved to visit.
Louis enjoyed many hobbies including bowling, leather crafting, gardening, and fishing. He also collected coins, stamps, and toy tractors and trucks. He especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities.
Louis was a founding member of the St. John Knights of Columbus, was a Legionnaire member, and an active member of the Catholic Church.
Family members include his wife, Margaret (Strizek); daughters Cynthia (John) Bischoff, Tammy (David) Gushard, Deb (Rob) Vidlock, Karen (Dennis) Broadwell, and Sandra (Kevin) Schlautman; son Michael (Angela) Barry; grandchildren Brandon and Danielle Bischoff, Dustin (Jessica) and Dillon Gushard, Connor (fiancé Hannah) and Madison Vidlock, Franklin, Michaela, Bailey, and Audrey Broadwell, Allison and Drake Schlautman, Ashley and Sullivan Barry; great grandchildren Burke, Baylor, and Briggs Gushard; sister Ellen Hellerich. Preceded in death by his brother Loyd Barry.
Visitation and Viewing: 5:00-7:00 p.m. Rosary: 7:00 p.m. Wednesday (3-23-22) Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m., Thursday (3-24-22) St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, 7601 Vine Street. Interment will be 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary & St. Joseph Cemetery, Agnew, NE with military rites.
Memorials to St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, 7601 Vine Street, Lincoln, NE 68505 and Down Syndrome Association, P.O. Box 57362, Lincoln, NE 68505.