Louis Joseph Eyde

Louis Joseph Eyde died peacefully at his home in Okemos on October 12, 2022. He was born November 28, 1932, on Lyons Street in Lansing to Sam A and Eva Nouhan Eyde. Louis was the second of 8 children, Zakiya “Kay” (Eugene) Palinski, George F. (Maryann), Richard, Patrick (Mary Ann) and Michael, Samuel X (Judith) and Mary Ann (Byrne) Daly.

In addition to his siblings, the family includes his wife, Martha K. Eyde, Sam C. (Victoria), Peter M., Daniel L., Kelly M., and Deborah A. (Bob Miller) Eyde, Peter (Tammy) Van Winkle and Charles (Gabriella) Van Winkle. David J. Eyde (Jeanne) died on 9/30/09 in an airplane accident. Lou is proud of his 17 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Louis attended High Street Grade School, Resurrection High School and Michigan State University, graduating with a degree in Economics in the Centennial Class of 1955. After college, he enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard the USS Castor, a supply ship deployed in Japan and the Far East. He kept his family informed by journaling his experiences in daily letters. Lou always had a job, sometimes two or three, throughout grade school, high school, and college. He started selling real estate while attending Detroit College of Law, working at Chandler’s Shoe Salon on Woodward Avenue and National Food stores. It was then that Lou bought his first piece of property on Abbot Street in East Lansing.

From the age of three, Lou started drawing houses. He loved the idea of a family living together in a home. That focus remained central throughout his entire life. Lou and his brothers entered the building business as sub-contractors building their parent’s house in East Lansing. With his brother George, Lou’s real estate and building vision expanded to residential communities, including condominiums, apartments, and subdivisions, commercial buildings, and many restaurants to service the local communities. Lou helped many Lansing residents get started in their chosen professions and they remained friends throughout life. Lou and George together donated the first seed money to equip Sam and Eva’s kitchen for meals on Wheels so people could stay in their homes.

It would be difficult to live in Lansing, East Lansing, or Meridian Township without enjoying the fruits of their labors. Eyde Company developed numerous subdivisions, office parks, seven luxury apartment communities, and many shopping malls throughout Michigan.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Noon on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church 955 Alton Road, East Lansing, MI with Father Michael Murray as Celebrant. Visitation will take place from 10:30-12:00 pm on Tuesday prior to the Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider helping local people stay in their home by donating to Tri-County Agency on Aging or the St Vincent Society.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Lansing Chapel. To leave a cherished memory or words of sympathy for the Eyde Family please visit www.greastlansing.com.