Louise Sofia "Fia" Desch

Louise Sofia ‘Fia’ Desch, 96 of Charlevoix, passed away Monday, June 3, 2024, at her home with family by her side, a loving, amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She will be forever missed by her family and all that knew her.  She was born August 16, 1927, in Cologne (Köln), Germany.  She grew up in Germany during World War II, before coming to the United States at the young age of 20.  She settled in the Detroit area with her aunt and uncle who had sent for her.  She became a U. S. citizen early on and worked at Bell Telephone for several years.  With the help of their mothers, Louise met her husband, ‘Abe’, in Detroit at a German Club.  They married in 1951 and started raising their family in Mt. Clemens.  Once her oldest was born, Louise ‘Fia’ became a loving housewife.  They bought a cottage home in Charlevoix and when they both reached retirement age, they purchased their Florida home.  They spent many years traveling back and forth between the two homes. 

Fia enjoyed people, loved children, and her family, who meant everything to her. Life was precious and so were her memories.  She had many stories to tell, especially of her life during the war in Germany.  Not only did she know German history; she also had great knowledge of American history.  Her grandchildren and great grandchildren took such an interest in her storytelling that she spent many nights with them gathered around the table listening to her share her memories.  Some even took notes and recorded her, to recall her life for years to come.  She also enjoyed playing the harmonica for them,  and played many old German love and war songs, and Christmas Carols.                                                                   

Her passion was in giving to the less fortunate.  She enjoyed knitting, and a knitting machine she was.  She knit many beautiful items for her family and close friends.  She also donated countless items such as afghans, baby clothes, blankets, sweaters and toys to local churches, all handmade out of love.   She never stopped, right up until the last couple weeks of her life.  She was sharp as a whip and an absolute joy to know.  

She is survived by her children, Evelyn (James) Cattaneo of Harrison Township, Gordon Desch (Crystal Hawthorne) of Mancelona, and Caroline Desch of Petoskey; grandchildren, Branden (Catherine) Cattaneo, Justin (Lauren) Cattaneo, James (Pauline) Cattaneo, Gordon Desch, Molly Desch, Matthew Desch; great grandchildren, Jacqueline, Kaylee, Brooklyn, Anthony (AJ), Cadence, Kayden, Dylan, Mason, Briella, Elise, Stella and Celina.  She was proceeded in death by her husband of 68 years, Eberhardt ‘Abe’, and her grandson, Jeffrey Moore.

Louise ‘Fia’ will be having an immediate private service with her family, and she will be laid to rest with her husband at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly with a memorial service at a future date.    Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Boystown, St. Jude, Disabled American Veterans, St. Joseph’s Indian School or Wounded Warriors.

Please share your memories and personal messages on her guestbook below.