West Lebanon, N.H. —
Louis was one of eight children, born Dec. 19, 1932, in Lebanon, to Oscar Lucien Audette Sr. and Adrienne Audette (Demers).
Louis left High School before graduating, eventually joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Dix, where he served as an Armorer from 1952-1954. After leaving the Army, Louis went to work for the Verham News. He then trained for autobody repair under the GI Bill. This became his life’s work and he was employed by Steve’s Body Shop, Smith Auto, Flanders and Patch, Tri-town Toyota and retired from Gateway Motors in 1997.
One of Louis’ many achievements was to return to night school to complete his GED in 1972, providing an excellent example for his children and grandchildren to come.
On Oct. 6, 1956, Louis married Marjorie Wallace, also of Lebanon. He and Marjorie had three children and enjoyed raising them on Mascoma Lake where the family spent much of their time outside, enjoying boat rides around the lake in the summers and skating, sledding and snowmobiling in the winters.
Louis’ passion was riding and restoring motorcycles with his childhood friend Buddy Leonard. Louis was an avid racer on the dirt tracks in Laconia and loved participating in Enduro races, which are extended off-road motorcycle courses, often with obstacles. He was proud of the many trophies he won. In his later years, Louis was known to take out his blue Triumph motorcycle, a cherished possession, for long scenic rides.
Louis also enjoyed snowmobiling and was a member of the Blow-Me-Down Snowriders Club. Living on Mascoma Lake allowed him to leave from his home and ride the local trails.
He later traveled with the snowmobile to the College Grant in northern N.H., where he enjoyed telling stories and spending time with family and friends. After retirement, Louis enjoyed spending time at his daughter’s camp in Spring Lake, Maine. An avid outdoorsman, Louis enjoyed the four seasons and often took many trips to Canada by snowmobile with his son-in-law Todd and his buddy Mo.
Louis was predeceased by his daughter Deborah Ann in 1982, who had one daughter Jodi Lynn. Louis and Marjorie were proud to raise their granddaughter Jodi, who currently lives in Williamstown, Mass. with her husband Jim Easton and three children, Maxwell, Henry and Sylvia. Louis is survived by two children, his daughter Mary Beth and her husband Todd of Dover, N.H. and his son Robert and his wife Francine of Athens, Vt.
Louis and Marjorie have one grandson Jared Audette of Plainfield, N.H., a granddaughter Tessa Audette of Purcellville, Va. and her sister Racheal Perron of Bellows Falls, Vt.
Louis and his wife Marjorie were married for nearly 62 years. He called for her to join him six days later which is a fitting testament to their bond.
Louis was predeceased by his brothers Paul and Francis of Lebanon and his sister Polly Wagner of Tennessee. He is survived by his brothers Edward of Lebanon, Oscar of Meriden and sisters Evelyn Morse of Lebanon and Annette Jordan of Enfield.
Louis appreciated all the family support and care he received through the VA that enabled him to remain independent and at home and care for his wife. He will be remembered most for his deep love of his family, including his wife of nearly 62 years. He had an abundant amount of patience, loved the outdoors and was passionate about motorcycles.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.
Calling hours will be held on May 14 at 9 a.m. at the Ricker Funeral home in Lebanon. A joint burial with his wife will follow at the Valley Cemetery in Lebanon at 11 a.m.
Messages of condolence may be expressed with the family through an online guestbook by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.