Louis E. Neitzel, age 88, of Greenville, passed away in his home on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.  The son of Louis and Bessie Crawford Neitzel, he was born on May 3, 1931 on the family farm in Montcalm County.  After graduation from Stanton Agricultural High School with the Class of 1950, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

Louis proudly served for eight years, was a Korean War era veteran and was primarily stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, but also had overseas duty. During his service he received two Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, the Navy Occupation Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

After his honorable discharge in 1958, he worked as a skilled welder and manager at Michigan Fleet until purchasing a salvage yard in Greenville in 1977.  He operated Lou II Auto Salvage for the remainder of his life, where customers would visit "Lou" to wheel ‘n deal and hear his many stories.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Carolyn Neitzel Raymond and Betty Neitzel Brake.  Surviving are his six children, Jeffrey (Ellen) Neitzel, Sonja (Jerry) Taber, Timothy (Carmie) Neitzel, Lisa Hathaway, Karl (Amy) Neitzel and Lavonne (Ben) VanDerWeide. Additionally, nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren and a brother Jerry (JoAn) Neitzel.

Private committal services, with military honors, will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta.  To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign on Lou’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.ChristiansenCares.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, (616) 754-5638