Louise A. Kooiker

Louise Ann Kooiker (Slaughter) of Eau Claire, passed away May 19th at the age of 80.

Louise was born in Plum City, WI on August 31, 1942, to Harold and Jessie Slaughter. Raised in Pepin, WI until her freshman year of high school when her family moved to Bloomington, MN. Louise attended college at Hamlin University and later went on to earn her master's degree in counseling at UW River Falls. She married Jerry Kooiker on August 20,1966. Louise taught in Burnsville, MN for 31 years. With a heart for people, Jerry and Louise were involved in many church ministries, starting numerous bible studies for singles and couples. Louise coordinated and participated in many Sunday school classes and VBS event programs. Louise was known to be the hostess with the mostest: whether it be women's coffee, neighborhood gatherings or with her family. Louise was always available for a conversation. She had the gift of hospitality. 

Her love for family and friends was well displayed. Even though her grandchildren were spread out across the country she regularly checked in with them and they with her. A testimony to the impact she had on their lives. As a result of her heart for others and with a call to serve, Louise and Jerry were involved in many groups together over their nearly 57 years of marriage. Some of those groups were JC's, Bible Study Fellowship, Marriage Encounter, family camps, youth groups and other various community volunteer events. Instrumental in their children and grandchildren's Christian Faith was attending Northern Pines Family Camp every summer as a family for nearly 30 years.

With a love for music and a piano player herself, many family holidays were spent gathered around the piano singing songs about the faith she held so dear, and a fun song or two.

Louise Slaughter Kooiker was the eldest daughter of four children, survived by her sister Lynette Vandesteeg of Hastings, MN. Preceded in death by baby Emmanuel and her two brothers Bob and Hal Slaughter. Married to Jerry they raised three children, Scott, Ross and Tina (Huestis). Louise was a grandmother to six grandchildren and three great grandchild.

In recognition of her heart for the youth, memorial gifts can be made to Bethesda Lutheran Church youth scholarship fund. Please choose the Summer Spiritual Formation Trips in the dropdown.
link: https://c3ec.churchcenter.com/giving

A celebration of life service will be held at Bethesda Lutheran Church at 123 W Hamilton Ave, Eau Claire, WI on Wednesday, June 7th. A time of remembering will be held ahead of service at 3:30, with service at 4:30. A meal will follow. 

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Louise A. Kooiker, please visit our floral store.