Louis Spinner

Louis P. Spinner, 86, of Lansing passed away Friday, March 14, 2014 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, March 18 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing, with Rev. John Moser as the celebrant. Interment was held at the Gethsemane Cemetery, Lansing.
Louis Phillip, the son of Peter Jacob and Mary (Serene) Spinner, was born November 3, 1927 in Lansing. Louie was welcomed home by three brothers, John Pete, Charles P. and Paul (Kayo) Spinner.
Louie was a lifelong resident of North Front Street in Lansing. He attended the Immaculate Conception Parochial School and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1946. After graduation he served in the United States Army in Germany from 1950-1952. Louie worked for the Lansing Co. for 36 years after his return from the military. He was a member of the V.F.W., the Mississippi Sportsmen’s Club, and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing.
How astute that God would take Louie in his favorite month; not the month of his birthday or Fish Days, but in the month that his beloved Mississippi River would let go of its ice, opening a passageway to the north. This was music to Louie’s ears, for he knew it wouldn’t be long before he would be at the “Shanty” preparing his gear, then heading upriver, with the sun in his face, the wind on his back and having the joy of putting out his trot lines. Louie was a river man, spending his entire life commercial fishing, thus earning him the nickname “Catfish” Spinner. Louie was one of the last commercial fishermen in Lansing.
Louie is survived by Sam and Betty (Spinner) Bell of Columbus Junction and John H. Gruber of La Crosse, WI. Louie was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Mary Spinner; his brothers and their wives, John P. and Agatha Spinner, Charles P. Spinner, and Paul P. and LaVerne Spinner; his nephew, Robert J. Spinner; and his special friend, Kathleen M. Troendle.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Lansing assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.graufuneralhomes.com.