Louella A. "Lou" Voegele

Louella (Lou) Adele Voegele, age 86, of Batesville, died peacefully in her sleep on January 15, 2025, at St. Andrews Health Campus. Born March 8, 1938, in Batesville to Fred and Olivia (Dietz) Scheele, she graduated from Batesville High School in 1956 and later married her high school sweetheart George Voegele on June 30, 1962. Together they raised four children. Lou touched the lives of so many people in her 38 years of teaching, having taught nearly three generations of families. She would never miss the opportunity to ask someone, “Did I have you in school?” She was not solely known as Mrs. Voegele, but rather "Crazy Lou" or "Momma Lou," as so many fondly call her even today. A mentor and friend to countless students, she went beyond the classroom, coaching track and volleyball, sponsoring senior classes, founding the local SADD chapter, decorating for countless proms, and cheering on the home team alongside Billy the Bulldog. Her dedication to teaching for nearly four decades and her humorous assertion that she “would never stop until she couldn’t stand on her head" exemplified her passion and commitment, leaving a cherished legacy. Beyond teaching, Lou dedicated herself to community service. Co-founding and co-directing the Living Christmas Tree with her dear friend Jean Struewing, a 60-student Christmas carol performance, showcased their passion. She also co-founded the local Beta Sigma Phi Sorority chapter, served on the Batesville Area Historical Society, an active member of St. Louis Parish, member of the Knights of St. John Ladies Auxiliary, member of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary and volunteered for many years at the hospital. Diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 2010, she overcame the disease and defied the odds, attributing her recovery to a higher purpose, continuing her community involvement with unwavering commitment. She loved her family first and foremost, always wanting to have everyone together for the holidays. As an avid piano player, she hosted annual Christmas sing-alongs where the entire family gathered around her to sing carols. She supported her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren every step of the way, always there with love and encouragement. Family trips and cruises were a favorite, as she cherished the time spent in the sun with her loved ones, creating lasting memories together. Her life will be forever cherished by her friends and family; her 4 children; Lori (Mike) Giltz of Batesville, Scott (Emily) Voegele of North Canton, Ohio, Jeff (Carletta) Voegele, and Doug (Mandi) Voegele, both of Noblesville, Indiana; brother Fred (Ruth Ann) Scheele of The Villages, Florida. She was the loving grandma to 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Lou was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Oliva, her husband George, sisters Rosemary and Arnelda, and brother George. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 20th, from 3 – 7 p.m. and from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21st at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, January 21st, at 12:30 p.m. at the Sisters of St. Francis Chapel in Oldenburg with burial following in the St. Louis Church cemetery. For those unable to attend, services will be live streamed at https://youtube.com/live/YvDEXhJHB3A?feature=share. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Margaret Mary Health Cancer Center.

Louella A. "Lou" Voegele

March 8, 1938 - January 15, 2025