Louise was born in Hot Springs, SD on November 6, 1944 to John and Nora (Borgen) Achenbach.

She graduated from High School in Custer, SD in 1963.  She was proud to graduate from Black Hills Teachers College where she majored in Elementary Education, Social Sciences, and Physical Education with minor degrees in Psychology and Music.

After a very cold winter spent teaching in New Underwood, SD she jumped at an offer to move to sunny California.

Louise retired in 2007 after a 39 year career at Woodlake High School. She also spent 32 years coaching: tennis, basketball, softball and volleyball; her volleyball teams brought home 29 championships. She was the volleyball league coach of the year 20 times. She was the California Teacher of the Year – 1st runner-up, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Interscholastic Federation and was inducted into California State Coaches Hall of Fame. In 2009 she was inducted into Black Hills State University Yellow Jacket Hall of Fame. She spent 16 years in the United States Army Reserve and received letters of commendations and medals of achievement. She was Battalion Soldier of the Year and was promoted through the ranks to Master Sergeant.

Education and the students at Woodlake were her focal point.  It was clear that she truly loved her job, community, friends, and neighbors.

Her family was very important to Louise.  After losing her father at age 3, her aunts and uncles loved her even more and a special closeness was formed.  She was devoted to her mother and dedicated several years of care when her mother and stepfather moved to California. Together they enjoyed exploring the state, dining out, and many fun visits from South Dakota family members.

Her interests included searching yard sales for historical items to share with her classes, animals, and sports of all varieties. When she visited Custer she was busy with family picnics at the ranch and celebrating the holidays or Gold Discovery Days.

Louise died on May 11, 2018 in Visalia, CA.

She was proceeded in death by her father, John Achenbach; mother and stepfather, Nora and Bert Bradeen; Aunts and Uncles, William and Jenny Borgen, Marble and Mable Borgen, Norman and Helen Borgen, Florence and Harold Maudlin, Betty and Glenn Flanagan, and Odean Borgen.

She is survived by an aunt, Rebecca Cooper of Custer, SD; and several cousins including David (Karen) Maudlin of Hill City, SD and Glenda (Kevin) Jenniges of Custer, SD;  and special friends Francis Mann, Kelly Lopez, and Ryan Edwards all of Woodlake CA.

She will be buried in South Dakota at the Custer Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, May 25 at 2:00pm at the Presbyterian Church, 600 West Naranjo Blvd. in Woodlake, CA.

In place of flowers donations can be made to Francis Mann (559)285-5321 for a scholarship being established in Louise's honor.