- Memorial visitation to be held on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 from 12:30-1:30pm at Peace Lutheran Church (17651 W Small Rd, New Berlin, WI).
- Memorial service will be held immediately following visitation at 1:30pm.
Louis J. Aranda
Found eternal peace with the Lord on April 24th, 2026, at the age of 65. Devoted husband of Ann (nee Gutenberger) for 23 years. Loving father of Benjamin. Beloved son of Sylvia (nee Rodriguez) and the late Arturo Aranda. Proud brother to Arthur (Melinda), Ann, and the late Daniel.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Helenville, Wisconsin, Louis carried with him a lifelong appreciation for both artistry and the natural world.
A graduate of Jefferson High School in 1980, he went on to pursue his passion for the arts at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 1984, studying fine arts. His love of learning continued throughout his life, including advanced studies in sculpture and design at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and architecture at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
On May 11, 2002, he married the love of his life, Ann Gutenberger, and together they built a home in Muskego filled with warmth, creativity, and love. In 2006, they welcomed their son, Benjamin, who became one of the greatest joys of his life.
He dedicated his career to the art of furniture making and antique restoration, a craft he practiced with remarkable skill and passion for over 30 years. As a self-employed artisan, he restored cherished pieces and created custom furniture that will continue to be treasured for generations. He shared his knowledge with others as an instructor of furniture restoration at MATC in Fort Atkinson. His work extended beyond Wisconsin, including designing department store windows in New York, contributing banner designs for Macy’s parade floats, and participating in a church restoration company in New Jersey. For a decade, he also restored antiques for the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum in Milwaukee, leaving an enduring mark on the preservation of history and beauty.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, he found his greatest happiness in simple, meaningful moments. He loved spending time “up north,” fishing, working in the yard, and surrounding himself with the trees and gardens he cared for so deeply. Above all, he cherished time with his family, creating memories that will live on in their hearts.
He will be remembered for his artistic spirit, his dedication to his craft, and the love he shared with those closest to him. His legacy lives on through his family, his work, and the many lives he touched along the way.
Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church (17651 W Small Rd, New Berlin, WI) from 12:30pm until the time of service at 1:30pm.
Deepest sympathy to the entire Aranda family. Louie was such a kind and talented guy! We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so very sorry😓
Louie was a GREAT Guy💞
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Louis, a kind-spirited artist whose warmth, generosity, and creative grace touched so many lives.
I feel blessed to have known him through the years. He carried himself with gentleness, sincerity, and an artist’s quiet sensitivity to the world around him. His presence had a rare quality: humane, thoughtful, and luminous without ever needing to announce itself.
May his family, friends, and all who loved him find comfort in the beauty he created, the kindness he offered, and the enduring traces of his spirit that remain with us.
Rest in peace, dear Louis. You will be remembered with affection, gratitude, and deep respect.
Louis was a great friend to me during high school. Over the years, I’ve often thought of him and the many shenanigans we shared together. I will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers.
Soooo….very sorry for your heavy hearts at this time…I am so very sad for Ann & family’s of Louie… I loved all of our art classes we shared together!,& feel very honored to have one of his antique chests that he restored! What a beautiful kind soul & a very talented Artist! Blessed to have had a great high-school friendship…
My late husband Gerard and I had the plrasur of meeting Louis so many years ago when he worked at the family restaurant. Such a sweet guy…we loved his enthsiasm. My deepest sympathy to all.
Mary Ann Russell
Remarkable brother in a remarkable family….his gifts to the world will live on. Our condolences to to you his loved ones and his many friends, students and colleagues. .
Louis loved antiques and bringing them back to life in the least intrusive way possible. His artistry and woodsmanship allowed him to do so. His customer list was impressive and they shared extraordinary reviews of his work. Louis enjoyed fishing and to the expense of many of us would catch the biggest fish or most fish. A honest and trustworthy man, and brother-in-law, I was privileged to know him and spend time with him. RIP Louis. Condolences to Ann and Benjamin and your family members.
Thinking of you Ann as you celebrate Louis’ beautiful life. He will live on in your heart. Wishing you and your family moments of peace and comfort.
Remember the small things as those are the most precious memories.
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Uncle Louis was one of the greatest people I’ve ever known. He was incredibly kind, deeply caring, and never had a bad intention toward anyone. His passion and creativity showed in everything he did.
As a fellow entrepreneur, he understood and supported my love for photography in such a special way. Early on in his cancer diagnosis, I had the honor of taking photos of him, Ann and Ben —moments I will always hold close to my heart. He could talk for hours—whether with loved ones or complete strangers—about just about anything, and I will deeply miss our conversations.
He had such a love for antiques and restoring them, bringing new life into pieces that others may have overlooked. Honestly, whenever I saw antiques, I already thought of him—and I always will.
He truly loved life to the fullest, and you could feel that just by being around him. There was something about him that made you want to be a better person.
I feel so blessed to have had him as my Godfather for 34 years. When I was little, Uncle Louie treated me like the daughter he never had. I still remember how strong his hands were when he’d massage my shoulders.
Just last month, I was able to return that love—putting lotion on his dry skin and massaging his hands. It feels so full circle —something I will always remember.
I’m writing this with tears coming down my face, but also with so much love and gratitude for the memories we shared. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
We are so very sorry for your family’s loss. You are in our hearts at this heartbreaking time.
Remembering you i my prayers Sylvia!