Lewis Raymond Roof, a respected community member and former business leader, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the age of 80. Surrounded by his loving family, Lou, as he was affectionately known, left behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and passion for music and family.
Born on December 21, 1943, in Pontiac, Illinois, Lou was the youngest child of Earl Owen Roof and Marjorie Gertrude “Trudy” Roof. He spent his early years on the family farm in Cornell, creating memories he cherished throughout his life. After moving to Pontiac during his high school years, Lou met his future wife, Sandra Kay (Zehr), with whom he shared 60 years of marriage filled with love and companionship. The couple had two children, Peggy Ann Smith and James Earl Roof.
Lou was a talented musician, known for his beautiful singing voice and skill on the Hammond B3 organ, which earned him admiration from his church community. He also led the family business, Roof Manufacturing, before joining John Deere in Horicon, Wisconsin, where he worked until his retirement.
Friends and family remembered Lou as a gentle and grateful soul. “He was a great man,” wrote Rod Zehr, while Michael Adams Jr. expressed, “All my love to all those that were touched by his smile and his wonderful energy.” His legacy of warmth and generosity continues through his wife, children, grandchildren, and numerous friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 28, in the lower-level Pinnacle Room at the Windsor Country Club, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Prairie Ridge Health Foundation to support health education for young people.