Lewis R. Handle III, age 72, of Elkhorn, WI and formerly Rockton, IL, died on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Holton Manor in Elkhorn. Son of the late Lewis R. Handle Jr., Lou was born on May 30, 1950 in Hampton, VA. At the age of 17, he moved to Illinois, and a few years later at a carnival in Elgin, IL, he met Christine Estes, who he married on October 17, 1972 in Streamwood, IL. His wife always said that he was the prize she won at the carnival. During his life he worked as a union bricklayer.

Lou was an avid fisherman and his kids and grandkids have countless memories of him teaching them to fish and to never let go of the fishing rod. On one occasion, his grandson, Kaleb, was pulled into the water by a particularly strong fish and refused to let go, so Lou didn't hesitate to jump into the lake to save him—and the fishing rod—even though he didn't know how to swim!

Lou loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, camping, and bonfires. He was also handy and enjoyed creating things. He had a garage filled with "somedays," as his kids lovingly explained, which were items that could potentially be used for projects and crafts. Lou enjoyed woodworking and specialized in making canes. He and Christine would frequent craft shows.

Lou was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He would give the shirt off his back to a person in need. He could be silly and goofy and had a great sense of humor. In his last year of life, Lou was very popular at his nursing home, beloved by the staff. For the past six months, the light of his life was his new great-granddaughter, who could always get him to light up.

Lewis will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Predeceased by his parents, Lewis Jr., and his adoptive mother, Bertha Mae Whitmore; and sisters, Mae and Linda.

He is survived by his daughters, April Tudor and Tanya Handle; grandchildren, Kaleb, Angelina, and Joseph Tudor; great-granddaughter, Luna Washington; and sister, Rusty.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2022 at 1:00PM at April's home. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Genoa City, WI is assisting Lou's family.