Louis “Louie” Williams
Dr. Louis (Louie) E. Williams, 98 of Richland Center passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2025. He was born on January 8, 1927, in Edgerton, Wisconsin, to Leroy and Cecilia Williams. Here he spent his childhood and school years, so when his father was offered a job as a draftsman for the Heil Company in Milwaukee in 1943, Louis stayed in Edgerton. He lived with his Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Edward Williams until his graduation in 1944, then moving to Milwaukee to be with his family.
That same year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army serving until 1946. Following his time in the military, Louis began his undergraduate studies in biology and chemistry at Marquette University, graduating with a double major in 1950. During college he worked at Elver’s supermarket and in a lab at The Miller Brewing Company. In 1951, he began dental studies at Marquette University graduating in 1955 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. During dental school he met his future wife, Ruth E. Sensenbrenner, a nursing student at Saint Mary’s Nursing School. They were married on August 28, 1954. Louis and Ruth then moved to Richland Center where he began working with Dr. E.M. Hein; taking full charge of the practice in 1956. His career in Richland Center as a dedicated local dentist spanned fifty years, concluding with his official retirement in 2004.
When he wasn’t relaxing with his wife and six children at their cabin near Presque Isle, WI, Louis kept busy serving the local community. He was a devoted Catholic and regularly attended the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church where he served as a member of The Knights of Columbus, was a eucharistic minister, lecturer and volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul Society. He was also dedicated to the Lions Club, rising to serve as a District Governor during his time as a member. Louis enjoyed music, especially big band music like the Glen Miller Orchestra—the rhythm brought a smile to his face and twinkle to his eye. He was an avid clarinetist and played for a variety of community bands. He served on the Richland Center School Board for twelve years, hoping for a new high school which finally became a reality in 1996, sometime after his service. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 13, a member of the Wisconsin Dental Association, and active in the Southwest Dental Society.
Louis was a devoted son, husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He made a point to be there for his children and grandchildren throughout their education and many important activities and life events. He spent much of his retirement behind the wheel driving his wife Ruth around on her extensive travel as an instructor for parish nursing.
He is survived by his children, Thomas (Jane) Williams, Richland Center; Chris (Diana) Williams, Eau Claire; Cecilia (Steve) Saloutos, Grafton; David (Karen) Williams, Round Rock, TX; Mary Lou (Tony) Preston, Keller, TX; and Ruthie ( Todd) Lemke, Rosholt; grandchildren: Leah Williams, Middleton; Laura Williams (Matthew Vellacott), Floral Park, NY, Hannah (Jeremiah) Storer, Brandon; Andrew Saloutos (Olivia Schneider) Seattle, WA; Katlyn Saloutos, Charleston, SC; Ryan Williams (Linda Luo), Round Rock, TX; Ashley Williams (Tony Tran), Bahrain; Pierce Preston, Keller, TX; Dana Lemke (Dillon Streator), Chicago, IL; Anthony Lemke, Appleton; Jacob Lemke, Oshkosh; great-grandchildren: Jack and Gabriel Vellacott; Cooper and Wyatt Storer; Austin Williams; and William Tran
Louis was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ruth E. Williams; his sister Ruth Ann Williams, parents Leroy and Cecilia Williams and infant great grand-son Grayson Tran.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 160 W. 4th Street, Richland Center, WI. Father Nathan Kuhn will officiate, with burial to follow at the church cemetery where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Local Veterans Military Memorial Honors Unit. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:30 where a final salute will be conducted by the Local Veterans Military Memorial Honors Unit.
Memorials may be made to Pine Valley Foundation or St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.
Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com The Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.