Louis John Wolter, PhD, professor emeritus at Drake University, age 93, died suddenly while vacationing in Florida on February 22, 2023. Louis was born in Western Springs, Illinois, to Louis Edward Wolter and Ottilie L. Wolter on November 27, 1929. Immediately after high school, he served in the United States Air Force for four years as a crew member on a B-36 bomber. He received his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University, where he also received his Masters of Science in Journalism. At the University of Iowa he received his doctorate. He taught advertising, public relations, and mass communications for 26 years at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he was the university’s first director of marketing. He was most passionate about mentoring and advising his many students. In addition, he was President of Directions, Inc., a marketing research firm. He served on the board of Advertising Professionals of Des Moines, Generations, Inc., and Planned Parenthood. He advised a multitude of community and state government organizations about their communications outreaches. Lou was a wonderful motivational speaker, traveling nationally to speak on public relations, primarily for health care organizations. In 2011, he coauthored a book with Robert Wohl, Navigating Organizations Through the Twenty-First Century; A Metaphor for Leadership. He and Carolyn spent many happy years in New Mexico and Florida after his retirement. Lou loved life, family, friends, and his dogs. His favorite pastime was spending time on sailboats, including one he built himself. He had an incredible zest for life. He was often referred to as the “energizer bunny.” He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Lumbard; his children, Melissa (Kekoa) Paulsen, Jon (Lori) Wolter, and Chris Wolter; and their mother, Mary Wolter; his stepchildren, Lisa Severino and Brian (Kathie) Lumbard; grandchildren, Amanda, Christian, Alex, Ben, Katie, Kenley and Brittan; five great grandchildren; and his brother, Kurt (Celeste) Wolter. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Iowa PBS, World Central Kitchen, or Drake University School of Journalism.

Desmoines Register