Louis J. Fischels, 88, of Independence, IA, died Saturday morning, February 17th, 2018 at the ABCM Rehabilitation Center’s West Campus in Independence, IA.

Louis was born on November 20, 1929 in Independence, IA the son of Michael and Katherine (Bovy) Fischels. He was a graduate of St. John’s Catholic High School and served in the US Army. On March 1, 1954 he married Gertrude L. Sachtschale in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Hazelton, IA. The family operated a dairy farm near Independence.

He was a member of the VFW and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Louie enjoyed playing poker, pool, fishing, the Chicago Cubs, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He loved spending time with his family and going on rides with his wife, Gertrude.

Louie is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years Gertrude, six children; Bev (Fred) Timko, Cedar Rapids, IA, Dan (Jane) Fischels, Independence, IA, Judy (Mike) Froehlich, Plano, TX, Jeff (Kelley) Fischels, Independence, IA, Diane (Steve) Hagarty, Cedar Rapids, IA, Angie Fischels, Minneapolis, MN. Eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren, one sister; Dorothy Connolly, Independence, IA, and one brother; Mike Fischels, Independence, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son; Bob Fischels, four sisters; Virginia McElroy, Agnes Holbach, Lucille Hogan, Leona Sebetka, and three brothers; Lawrence, Vince, and Jerry Fischels.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Independence, IA, with Rev. David Beckman officiating. Burial in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery with full military honors. Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM Tuesday, and from 9 to 10 AM Wednesday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, where a rosary will be recited at 4 PM, and a parish wake service will be held at 7:30 PM Tuesday.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Louis J. Fischels, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.