Louis Frederick "Lou" Guerra

Louis F. "Lou" Guerra, 91 of Battle Creek, Michigan died Tuesday, June 7, 2022.

Lou was born August 5, 1930 in Lancaster, New York to Victor and Rose (Queeno) Guerra. He grew up in Lancaster and graduated from Lancaster High School. Lou honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and received a Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation. Lou earned his Bachelor's Degree from State University of New York at Brockport and his Master's Degree in Physical Education from Michigan State University. He taught physical education and coached at St. Philip Catholic Central for two years, at Battle Creek Lakeview High School for five years and at Battle Creek Central for 25, retiring at age 62. During his career, Lou coached floor hockey, baseball, football, girls' basketball and track. Lou was also a Driver's Education instructor through Battle Creek Central.

Louis F. Guerra was united in marriage to Sheila M. Guerra on December 28, 1957 in Reed City, Michigan. Lou was preceded in death by his wife Sheila on May 15, 2006. Lou was united in marriage to Norene (Cole) Fox. On June 11, 2011. Surviving are his wife, Noreen; children, Patti Zull of Battle Creek, Steven (Robin) Guerra of Battle Creek, Michael Guerra of Battle Creek, John (Jennifer Neil) Guerra of Plymouth, Vicky (Michael) Groat of Battle Creek; seven grandchildren, Kaitlin Zull, Kristin Zull, Alex (Chad) Mainstone, Hannah (Cody) Burghdorf, Olivia (Caleb) Vincent, Gabe (fiancé, Kylie Bruner) Guerra, Blake (Amanda) Groat, Isabella Guerra, Jonathan Guerra; great-grandchildren, Payton Mainstone, Colton Mainstone, Everly Mainstone, Ivy Burghdorf, Vivian Burghdorf, Olive Burghdorf, Ellah Vincent; Baby Vincent due any minute, and Baby Groat Due in September. Lou was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Rose and a brother, Frederick Guerra.

Lou was an excellent football player at Brockport and also played Semi-pro football in New York. Lou was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church. He worked St. Philip Bingo for 20+ years. Lou was an avid golfer and Michigan State University football fan. Strawberry Shortcake was always on Lou's menu. Lou loved following his grandchildren's activities, stopping with them to check-out cattle and horses and going to McDonald's to treat and entertain them. Early in life, Lou flipped houses, and was a very good handyman and painter. Lou will be remembered for his kindness and love of family, friends, neighbors, golf buddies and new acquaintances. He was a man of faith, that believed in the power of prayer. Lou was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend that lived life to the fullest.

Friends will be received 3:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, June 12, 2022 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where the Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Sunday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 13, 2022 at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. Military honors and committal will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sheila Guerra Scholarship Fund, 63 North 24th Street, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Personal messages for the family may be placed here in the Memory Book at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.