LOUIS GABRIELLE DOELL

Aug. 15, 1928–Oct. 8, 2024

Louis Gabrielle Doell II was born Aug. 15, 1928, in Wetonka, South Dakota, to Louis and Katherine Doell. He was known by most people as Louie. He joined the Navy in 1945 and was stationed in the Marshall Islands on Enewetak Atoll as a mechanic and electrician during World War II. After his discharge in November of 1947, Louie returned to his family in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Louie married Avenella Wilcox on July 15, 1950, in Aberdeen. Into this union were born six children, Brenda, Noreen, Roxanne, Louis III, Shawn, and Crystal.

During his years in South Dakota, Louie was busy working with his father on a farm and raising his children. He also had a scrap yard and loved to mechanic. He was always horseback riding, and for a time he and his father broke horses.

Louie, Avenella, and their five children moved from South Dakota to Wyoming in 1965 where he sold trailer houses and finally settled into his beloved career running “Louie’s Boot & Saddle Shop”. He was not one to shy away from learning any new skill, and constantly added to his list of vocations. Horses were a constant in his life, and he transferred that love to his children and grandchildren. Many hours were spent riding, moving cattle, and branding with friends. Louie enjoyed horse-drawn wagons, and during the winter, sleighs. He was forever a cowboy.

Louie enjoyed his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He said he felt blessed to have so many good friends. He was always involved with animals, reading and telling stories, singing, dancing, and hunting. He never knew a stranger and loved to have coffee with friends every morning. He enjoyed his daily walks and all his special friends in Newcastle, Wyoming, who visited and brought him food. Louie was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Newcastle and had a strong faith.

The family would like to thank everyone who spent time with Louie, the great care he received at Weston County Senior Services Center, the hospital and Manor, and all the wonderful friends who kept him company — especially during the last year, as his health was beginning to fail. He cherished the crew that met with him at the diner.  

Louie was lovingly taken care of on a daily basis by his son, Louis, and Louis’ wife Christine. Louie died peacefully on Oct. 8, 2024, at the age of 96, with his son by his side. He was ready to go home to see his family.

Louie was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Katherine; three sisters, Annamay, Bette, and infant Kathleen; his wife, Avenella; and three daughters, Brenda Russell, Noreen Gould, and infant Roxanne; great-grandson, Jack Courtney; and by so many good friends.

Louie is survived by three children; Louis (Christine) Doell of Newcastle, Shawn (Keith) Zabka of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Crystal (Jeff) Lincoln of Meridian, Idaho; and his sister, Pearle Gutierrez.

Louie felt blessed to have so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His grandchildren are Jennifer Durham, Tim (Jill) Gould, Kenny (Rhonda) Gould, Andy (Nicole) Doell, Amanda Smith, Danielle Doell, Gina Doell (Jimmy Gardner), Brandon (Rachel) Doell, Nicole (Michael) Bissey, Nathan (Kelly) Zabka, Brooke (Anthony) Uzeta, and Rachel (Patrick) Courtney. Great-grandchildren are Jared, Cheyenne, Heather, Corbin, Alexia, Ariel, Amora, Lewi, Carter, Cody, Camden, Liam, Charlotte, Kelson, Kinley, Kaden, Khloe, Kole, Klara, Kathryn, Kassidy, Kaleb, Kourtney, Kandis, Gianna, Roman, Layla, Keith, Simon, and Zavier; and he has a great-great-grandson, Liam. He had a great many nieces and nephews whom he loved.

He will be cremated and buried with his late wife in Newcastle at a private ceremony. A Celebration of Life will be held later next year.