
Louie grew up in Fairfax, MN. He served in the U.S. Navy; a Viet Nam Veteran. He graduated from Bemidji State University in 1971 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Health & Physical Education, Minor in Speech, Drama and Theatre.
Louie taught and coached for six years at Marshall, MN and then entered the publishing business. Managed newspapers in Marshall and Worthington before purchasing the Montevideo and Granite Falls newspapers and printing plant. He also served as the upper Midwest regional manager for the Liberty newspaper group after selling and then oversaw 14 newspapers and printing operations in the five state area.
He retired in 2003 and has been happily married to his wife Barbara for more than 40 years. They have two children and five grandchildren.