Woodbury resident Louis F. Voegeli, Jr., 55, son of the late Louis and Della (Evers) Voegeli, Sr., died suddenly in the early morning hours on Saturday, March 16, 2013, while snowmobiling with friends in Errol, NH. An expert snowmobiler, having raced the machines in his youth, passed away doing what he loved. He was happiest working outdoors splitting wood, working in the garden, playing sports and riding bikes. He spent many hours helping his wife and friends complete their 'Louie-do' lists.

A man who loved his family, Louie leaves his wife Jackie (Neville) Voegeli, their children, daughters Stacy (Voegeli) Shimp and her husband Joseph, Cassie Voegeli and her boyfriend Jonathan Wildman, and son Andrew Voegeli. He is also survived by his sisters Linda (Voegeli) Barrett and her husband Brian, Lorna (Voegeli) Eckman and her husband Gordon, Donna (Voegeli) Carnaroli and her husband Thomas and Wendy (Voegeli) Guglielmetti and her husband Charlie. With both Louie and Jackie coming from large families, there are thirty nieces and nephews, and thirty-one great-nieces and great-nephews, many godchildren, cousins, in-laws, and friends--as well as all of the children he loved and welcomed as his own--left behind to miss him.

As President of Oxford General Industries, Inc., a company that his father Lou, Sr., started in the mid-1940's, Louie worked with his sisters and their spouses to keep Lou, Sr.'s legacy alive. His presence will be sorely missed in the business world.

Formerly of Naugatuck, Louie moved to Woodbury with his parents in 1972. There he attended Nonnewaug High School, graduating in 1976. In 1977, Louie joined the Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department after a fire at the home of his parents, serving for 20 years before retiring. In 2007, he was appointed by the First Selectman to the Board of Fire Commissioners. In 1990, Louie partnered with his father to create Te Kokomiko Mini Horse Farm. This was a treasure the entire Voegeli family enjoyed sharing with the community.

With a happy smile and a devilish gleam in his eyes, 'Screwy Louie' lived life to the fullest. As a youngster, along with his sisters, he learned to snowmobile, snow ski and waterski. After showing off his barefoot waterskiing talents, Louie would drive the boat for his children and their many friends while offering advice about their waterskiing technique. He would travel to New Hampshire with friends and family where they would snowmobile many hundreds of miles each day on groomed trails. He loved this time.

His other passions included NASCAR, dancing, and anything to do with Christmas; especially the music, decorating, and baking cookies. He loved cards and games (playing by his rules), anything to do with trains, building legos, visiting amusement parks, and coaching his son's hockey teams. He was a proud father who attended every event his children were in, sporting or otherwise. Memorial Day was a very special time for him as he and Jackie opened their home each year to all friends and family to enjoy yard games, beach volleyball (playing by his rules), food, drinks, and each other while remembering those who served.

Louie will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him!

Memorials: In his honor, donations can be made to either the Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 561, Woodbury, CT 06798; Errol Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 64, Errol, NH 03579; or Umbagog Snowmobile Association, P.O. Box 133, Errol, NH 03579.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: Church Not Applicable

Visitation: Calling hours will be held on Wednesday March 20th from 4 - 8pm at the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson - Lovetere, 2 School St.