Remembering Korean War era Navy veteran Selover ‘Loui’ Kies

Korean War era U.S. Navy veteran and the 27th past commander (1968-1969) of the Glenn A. Warner Post 1371, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 87-year-old Louis Selover “Loui” Kies died on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017.

“Loui” was the son of Selover and Rena Kies, who were very generous to the kids of the Flats and Owego community. A retiree of the family business, Kies Bottling Works (now Ice Cream Works!), and proud “Flat Rat” and Owego native, Kies was one of 30 veterans residing at Elderwood-Waverly and honored by the Sayre Elks on Veterans Day 2016.

“Loui” was one of the founding fathers of Hyde Park, Home of Owego Little League (OLL), and the second and two-time president in 1967 and 1968 and organizer of the Teener League.

VFW Post 1371 remembers “Loui” for his service on the USS Salem and post leadership, and OLL and the Teener League remembers him for his dedicated service to the Little League ball players attending the Owego Apalachin School District.

Kies is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Lou; four children, Jeffrey and Patti Kies and Kathy and John Hansen, and Gregory and Nancy Kies and Thomas Kies; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday at Estey Munroe Fahey Funeral Home. Calling hours followed from 2 to 4:45 p.m. A military funeral tribute by the Honor Guard of Post 1371 VFW was rendered.