website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown,
Wisconsin
Mink
Farming
Louis
J. Grabow
Louis J. Grabow
(Anita) of Watertown (1916-2008) was born in Watertown on April 14, 1916, son
of Theodore and Anna (Potenberg) Grabow.
Louis was a tool and die maker
for 44 years. He worked for Otto Biefeld for 30
years, where he completed his tool and die apprenticeship. He finished his career at Durant/Eaton
Corporation in Watertown. Louis was a drummer in Shorty Keppel's dance band in
the mid-1930s, playing at dance halls throughout the
Rock River area, as well as fraternity dances in Madison.
In 1948, Louis, his brother,
Harris, and his father, Ted, went into the mink business until 1962. They knew and were known by mink ranchers all
over the country. They sold their pelts
to the New York Auction Company.
Following this venture, Louis and
Harris developed their mink properties into a subdivision on Water Street. They developed the plat and contracted to
build homes. Louis was a meticulous
contractor.
He loved to fish and entertain his family at his cottage in central
Wisconsin. He taught his grandchildren
how to fish and inspired his son and grandchildren how to work precisely with
their hands. Louis was a lifelong member
of Trinity Lutheran Church in Watertown.
