Racine- LuVerne "Louie" O. Ystenes, 80, passed away unexpectedly at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Tuesday, August 9, 2011.

LuVerne was born in Norman County, MN, on June 4, 1931, to the late Obert and Clara (nee: Svenby) Ystenes. Following graduation from high school in Fertile, MN, Louie went on to faithfully serve our Country with the United States Army stationed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.

Louie was united in marriage with the love of his life, LaDonna Inga (nee: Arndt) Ystenes, on May 5, 1962 in South Milwaukee. Louie was employed by American Motors / Chrysler for 32 years, from which he retired as a quality control inspector.

With a profound Christian faith, Louie was a proud member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. He enjoyed travelling with LaDonna – especially their winter get-a-ways to Arizona; reading the newspaper; and watching sports – especially the Brewers/Packers. Louie, a kind man of quiet strength, was dedicated to his family. He cherished every moment spent surrounded by his loved ones.

Surviving are his loving wife of 49 years, LaDonna; their children, Caren (David) Rawley of Milwaukee; Peter (Marcy) Ystenes of Cross Plains; Heidi (Kurt) Vlach of Racine; and Brent Ystenes of Franksville; adored grandchildren, Matthew, Joshua and Daniel Rawley; Zoe, Roman and Adeline Ystenes; Kyle and Adam Vlach; brothers and sisters, Jean (Clifford) Krogstad, Doris Rindahl – Den Hartigh, Eleanor (Raymond) Johnson, Carolyn (Gerald) Gunufson, Yvonne (Duane) Erickson, Adeline (Roger) Black, David (Sherry) Ystenes, John Ystenes (Diane), Mae (Kent) Bolstad, Milo (Peggy) Ystenes and Grace (Reid) Hagen; sisters-in-law, Darlene (William) Huck and Linda (Frank) Godec; sister-in-law, Peggy Ystenes and brother-in-law, James Van Patter; and many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to his parents, Louie was preceded in death by his sister, Beatrice Ystenes; LaDonna's parents, Erich and Esther (nee: Voight) Arndt; sister-in-law, Eleanor Van Patter; and brothers-in-law, Vernon Rindahl and Larry Den Hartigh.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 15, 2011 at 11:00 am in Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 322 Ohio St. Racine, with Rev. James Barsch officiating. Military honors and a luncheon will follow.  Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Sunday from 5-8 pm and in the church on Monday from 10-11 am. Private interment will take place at the Southern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery – Union Grove. In memory of Louie, memorials to the Wheaton Franciscan Foundation (c/o: Dr. Howard Short) or to Lutheran Church of the Resurrection have been suggested.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – especially Dr. Howard Short; for the all the compassionate care and support throughout the years. May God bless all of you!