Louis J. Gagermeier

– Louis John Gagermeier passed away Friday, June 27, 2014, at home surrounded by family, from natural causes to be united with his wife of 62 years, Barbara Gagermeier, who passed away in 2010.

Louis John Gagermeier was born in Glendive on Feb. 25, 1922, to Agnes and Louis Gagermeier. He went to grade school and graduated from high school as senior class president. After some odd jobs on the railroad and working for Montana-Dakota Power, World War II broke out and he enlisted with his best friend, Kenny Bedour, in the Army Air Force. Both were promoted to co-pilots and were sent to North Africa to fly B17s. Within a few months they were repositioned to Italy and were promoted to pilots, flying the new B17G. Kenny was shot down on the fourth mission flying into Berlin. Lou had 24 completed missions; he was scheduled to fly out, and was on the runway when they were told that the war with Germany was over. He boarded a transport ship and headed off for training on flying the B29 and then WWII ended. He was honorably discharged and went home to Glendive.

Later that year he enrolled in the University of Montana, in forestry. There he met Barbara; they were married on March 20 and enjoyed 62 years of marriage and four children.

After a short break, Lou returned to the university where he obtained a master's degree in education. He was immediately hired to teach science at Jefferson Grade School in School District No. 1. Three years later he was promoted to principal of the school. During his tenure, Jefferson Grade School burned and he took over as principal of the "Fort School," and later was principal of Meadow Hill Middle School. He was the founder of the Five Valley Reading Terminal in the library. Along with education, Lou was a charter member of the Missoula Rural Fire Department, which he was so proud to be a part of.

Retirement brought time for him to do his woodworking, fishing and painting. He was a loving father and so proud of his sons and daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild.

Louis is survived by his sister Dorothy Ayre and his children Gary, Brent, Kim and Kay. Brent's family: Barbara Gagermeier, Brian his wife Jennifer and their children Kayla and Jade; Patricia Simon, her husband Brady, their child Ashley and her daughter Marley; Elizabeth Smith, her husband Drew and their child Mia; Kristina Runyon, her husband Jeremy and their children Jacob, David, Ezekiel and Emma. Kim's family: Mike Normand and sons Brad, Stephen and his wife Chelsea. Kay's family: Steve Rich, sons Michael Grimm, his wife Takako and their children Ryu and Mikito; Matthew Caluori, his wife Nikcole and their children Makayla and Alyson; Jason Caluori, his wife Ashley and their children, Abby, Nick, Ben; Jonathan Caluori, Kanani Stoker.

Louis was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, father Louis Gagermeier Sr. and mother Agnes Gagermeier.

The family would like to thank the many caring friends, wonderful neighbors and the VA staff for their tremendous help and caring support. The EMTs, the nurses and the doctors were outstanding and a special thank you to hospice and Dr. Selbach for always being there to help.

Instead of flowers, please make donations to the Charles Russell Museum, Missoula Public Library, School of Education Scholarship Fund or the Wounded Warriors program in Louis Gagermeier's name.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 30, at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery with military honors.

Condolences and memories may be left for the family at missoulafuneralhomes.com
Read Louis Gagermeier's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.