Harold “Butch” Louisiana, 81

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Harold “Butch” Louisiana on Saturday, September 28, at the age of 81 in New Prague, Minnesota.
 

Harold was born on August 12, 1943, in Litchfield, Minnesota to John and Mabel Louisiana. He was the youngest of three children: sister Donna and his brother Jim. He joined the Air Force and was stationed in Washington state. He married his childhood sweetheart Karen (Ketcham) at the First Baptist Church of Grove City in Grove City, Minnesota.
 

They had 5 children together. Kim (husband Dave Malz), Stephen (deceased December 1966), Marge (husband Randy Malz), Jill (husband Ron Faciane), and Tracy (husband Kurt Stepka).
 

He worked as an aircraft mechanic for Northwest Airlines for 13 years.
 

Harold and Karen also did emergency and long-term foster care for Scott County. They housed and cared for over 300 children in their Prior Lake, Minnesota home along with a food shelf in their basement.
 

In 1978 Friendship Church was formed with Harold and Karen as one of the founding families.
 

He partnered with Palmer Welcome, and they started a classic car business in 1979 restoring 1955-57 Chevies. Harold and Karen then moved to Florida where he worked for Classic Chevy International and became a recognized expert on restoring classic Chevies. Harold was a contributor to their magazine and then published two books on how to restore classic Chevies. He also partnered with Palmer to start the first Dozinky Car Cruise.

 

In 1989, the family moved back to Minnesota starting his own car club and continued his love for cars.
 

Hands of Friendship was then established in 1990 to support missions in Haiti. Harold later joined Karen in the ministry. They became short term missionaries and lived in Haiti at the time of the earthquake in 2010. They served with the Haitians with mobile medical clinics, conferences, and orphan care.
 

During the times they were not ministering in Haiti, they provided relieve and support to victims during hurricane Katrina and Rita among others that were in need locally through Hands of Friendship.
 

Harold loved and served the Lord faithfully all his life. His family was very important to him. He was a humble and kind man and always had a servant heart. He will be greatly missed but we know he is rejoicing with His Father in Heaven.
 

He is survived by this wife Karen, his four daughters, 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
 

He was preceded by his son, Stephen, his parents John and Mabel, his sister Donna and his brother Jim.
 

Services will be officiated by Pastor Mark Gold on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Friendship Church in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. with the service starting at 11 a.m. followed by a light lunch.