Lou grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and attended Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School, where he distinguished himself as a standout athlete in track and field, particularly in the high jump. He proudly earned his varsity letter in track before continuing his education at Aquinas College, where he received a degree in Business.
While at Catholic Central, Lou met the love of his life, Margaret LePage. Their relationship began in high school and continued through college, a steady and enduring partnership. Following Margaret’s graduation from Michigan State University, the two were married on June 27, 1959.
Lou built a successful career with Sealtest, a path that took him and his growing family across several communities in Michigan and Ohio. He later transitioned into the food brokerage industry, working with Peterson and Vaughn before co-founding Denhof and Woods Food Brokerage.
Together, Lou and Margaret raised four sons: Scott, Mark, Steve, and David. Lou often shared how deeply proud he was of the men his sons had become, noting with a smile that they had always listened to their mother.
After settling in Novi and later Northville, Michigan, Lou discovered a passion that would leave a lasting mark on many lives—coaching. For over 20 years, he dedicated himself to coaching youth football and baseball, mentoring countless young athletes. Known affectionately as “Sweet Lou,” a nickname inspired by Detroit Tigers second baseman Lou Whitaker, he became a beloved figure to players and families alike. The name stuck, and to many, he was simply Sweet Lou.
Golf became a central part of Lou and Margaret’s life, ultimately leading them to retire to The Villages, Florida. There, they enjoyed countless rounds with friends and built deep, lasting relationships. Lou was an active member of the Michigan State community in The Villages, attending game watch gatherings, trivia nights, and especially enjoying his early morning meetings with the MSU Coaches Club.
Lou also cherished time spent visiting his brother, Gerry (Charlotte) Denhof, in Celebration, Florida. Following medical complications later in life, Lou moved to Holland, Michigan, to be closer to family.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Ann Denhof (LePage), as well as his sisters, Donna Spruit and Alah Holt. Lou is survived by his four sons: Scott (Terri) Denhof; Mark Denhof; Steve (Lesley) Denhof; and David (Lauri) Denhof. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Nick and Sthefani Denhof; Ryan and Samantha Denhof; Emily Denhof; Katherine Blakeley (Tom); Andrew Pokrandt (Danielle); Hannah Denhof; Takoda, Jagger, Kaia, and Danika Denhof; and his great-grandchildren: George, Henry, and Liza Blakeley, and Emilia Pokrandt.
A Celebration of Life Gathering to honor Lou’s life will be from 12noon to 4pm at the Brew Merchant (442 Washington Ave.) in Holland, MI.
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