Louis Zdrazil, of Antigo, died on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at his home under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice. He was 87 years old. He was born on December 23, 1935 in Antigo, a son of Rose (Dvorak) Zdrazil-(Lukas) and Louis Zdrazil, Sr. He married Helen (Hitz) Merchant in 1983.

After graduating from Antigo High School in 1953 he moved to Cudahy and returned to Antigo in the late fifties. He worked for the city of Antigo Water Department until the late sixties.

In the late sixties, he became an insurance agent for Met Life. In 1970, he joined Vassau-McCormick Insurance Agency, which became McCormick-Klessig Insurance Agency in 1977. Louie became Vice President and partner of the agency until his retirement.

Louis started playing trumpet with his grandfather, Frank Zdrazil, when he was eleven years old. He played trumpet with the Antigo High School Band, earning 1st and 2nd place honors at state. In the mid fifties, Louis started playing professionally. In 1971, he started his own band, The Louie Zdrazil Orchestra. His band played throughout the Midwestern states, and also in Europe and Hawaii. They recorded five albums, various tapes, 45's and compact discs. He was named Band Leader of the Year in 1979. He was inducted in to the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame in 2001. He also recorded albums with other various bands around the state. Louie had his own live polka show for 42 years on the local radio station. He was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1987 for his album, "Music from Antigo."

Louie was a lifelong member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge 662 in Antigo, Polka Showcase, Antigo Optimist Club and he was also a member of the Monsignor Conrad Saile Knights of Columbus Council 1002 . In 1988, he was nominated for Citizen of the Year by the Antigo Chamber of Commerce.

He had a love for music but his greatest love was his family. He had a strong faith and will be remembered for his sense of humor and his infectious laugh.

Survivors include his wife, Helen; five children, Pam (Dave) Legro, Teresa Zdrazil (Neal Skidmore), Kim (Mike) Buss, Jamie (Nicole) Merchant, and Shane (Fatima) Merchant; 12 grandchildren, Kristin (Terrance) Grant, Samantha MacDonald, Cody (Samantha) MacDonald, Travis (Becky) Hoerman, Mellissa (Craig) Gilbert, Tyler (Kelsey) Legro, James Merchant, Cheyenne Merchant, Kalib Merchant, Noah Merchant, Lillianne Merchant, and Natalia Merchant; 11 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is further survived by two brothers, John (Rose) Zdrazil and Tom (Marlys) Zdrazil; two sisters, Pat Rose and Mary Jo Zdrazil; brothers-in-law, Jim Carl, John (Joyce) Hitz, Brad (Chris) Hitz, Mike Hitz, Herb (Sue) Hitz, Tom Hitz, Bill Hitz, Jim (Theresa) Hitz; sisters-in-law, Diane Schroepfer, Pam (Greg) Obst, Laurie (Carver) Panzer, and Cheri (John) Bloemer; as well as many other relatives.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Gregory Zdrazil; a brother, Harry Zdrazil; a sister, Helen Carl; a great-granddaughter, Astella Lynn Merchant; brothers-in-law, Ron Rose, Paul Hitz, and Dave Hitz; and sisters-in-law, Karen, Sue and Tamyra Hitz.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 17 at 11:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Burial will take place at St. Wencel Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday at the church in Hoffmann Hall from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established, contributions may be directed to his wife Helen.

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