Louie Stine, 54, of Thief River Falls, MN died on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at his residence with his loving family at his side after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 14, 2017 at Silver Creek Lutheran Church, rural Thief River Falls, MN.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral.

Louis William Stine was born September 28, 1962 in Crookston, MN to Leslie "Sonny" and Ardell Stine.  Louie was baptized into the Lutheran faith in Grygla, MN.  He grew up in Grygla and played football while in school.  He attended Northland Technical College in Thief River Falls, MN taking auto mechanics.  Where he used his mechanical aptitude and good communication skills.  He later joined the National Guard rising to the challenge to answer the call.

He met Joleen DuChamp shortly after that, who turned out to be his one and only for almost 35 years, making their home in rural Marshall County.  To this union two daughters were born, Ashlyn and Jasmyn.

Louie was never afraid of hard work; he worked for MN ECSU, Transatlantic Hardwoods, Land-o-Lakes Turkey Plant and the Pennington County Highway Department.  A longtime family friend, Dick Hoglo let Louie use his semi to get his CDL; he started off working for Ose Farms which lead to working for many others.

In 2007 he purchased his own semi, as an independent contractor with Bob-O Express, B & R Transport and Danny Miller.  Taking loads locally, over the road and also into Canada.  "Six Days On The Road" made famous by country music singer Dave Dudley was a favorite and he always tried to be home by Friday night.

Louie always had time for family and friends.  He had been a League Bowler at the Family Bowl, he enjoyed the camaraderie of deer hunting and fishing trips, especially for the card playing and storytelling.  He had an infectious smile and a contagious laugh.

He enjoyed driving semi and all the friends he had met over the years who turned out to be more like family than friends.  Not so long ago, he told his wife that "this" was one load that he wouldn't be able to pull.

Louie is survived by his wife, Joleen; two daughters, Ashlyn Stine and Jasmyn (fiancé Evan Chaput) Stine; a very special daughter, Rachel Hatherlee; his mother, Ardell Stine; sister, Laurel Stine all of Thief River Falls; brother, Lee (Theresa) Stine of Newfolden, MN; father-in-law, Arden DuChamp of Thief River Falls; brother-in-law, Joe DuChamp and sister-in-law, Deanna DuChamp of Thief River Falls; also surviving are his aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Louie was preceded in death by his father, Leslie "Sonny"; his mother-in-law, Darlene DuChamp; and his grandparents.