Memorial
Louis F. Fairchild of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family on August 10, 2018 at the age of 79.
He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Marcella “Sally” (Hogge) Fairchild, whom he married on January 2, 1982. He is also survived by son Steve, grandsons Kayle and Gabriel of Lisbon, IA, and daughter Anne Fairchild of Cedar Rapids, IA, sisters Jeanette Manville of Santa Fe, NM, Suzi (Ron) Zwemke of Sandy, UT and Mary (Peter) Kolb of Dunedin, FL, brother-in-law Don (Clarice) Nolte of Edina, MN, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Hannah (Barlau) Fairchild, sisters Marceline Nolte, Marjorie Smith, Shirley Fairchild, and brother, Hubert Fairchild.
Born January 1, 1939 on a farm near Mayer, MN, Lou was the first boy of eight children. He graduated from Franklin Senior High School in 1957 and attended Valparaiso University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was stationed in Böblingen, Germany with the United States Army. After joining Iowa Manufacturing/Cedarapids, Inc. as an intern during college, he became Director of Production Engineering. He received multiple patents, traveled the world and retired after 35 years with the company.
Lou was an active member and past president of Thursday Noon Optimists, member and past board member of First Lutheran Church, former member of Elmcrest Country Club and member of the Marion Legion (Post 298). Lou was a passionate golfer who was always straight down the middle of the fairway and shot his age at both 72 & 74. He always enjoyed being around others at work and play. He always made whatever he did fun and enjoyable for everyone around him.
Visitation Tuesday, August 14 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Cedar Memorial, 4200 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. Funeral and celebration of life on Wednesday, August 15, at 10:30 am at First Lutheran Church, 1000 Third Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, viewing at 10:00 am. Burial private.
Heartfelt thanks to the outstanding people who cared for Lou and his family through St. Luke’s, PCI, Hospice of Mercy, the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House and the Rehabilitation Center of Lisbon.
Donations may be made to First Lutheran Church, the Zach Johnson Foundation and Horizons Meals on Wheels.