By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Peller

Retired businessman Louis Peller died April 6 of congestive heart failure at Jewish Hospital Kenwood. The Amberley Village resident was 89.

He was born in 1914 to immigrant parents and had to begin working while still in the eighth grade. He graduated from Hughes High School in 1932 and attended the University of Cincinnati.

After working at the post office, Mr. Peller became the owner of Aristo Craft, which manufactured aluminum awnings. He then opened All Season Inc,. an aluminum door, window, siding and home remodeling company.

"He was one of the most unique individuals. Everybody loved him. He made everyone his concern," said Virginia Henschen, a longtime friend and Mr. Peller's former secretary. "He would go on a sales call and come back to the office, so happy, not because he sold something, but because he was instrumental in convincing someone to quit smoking - and this was in the '60s."

He retired in 1972 but later went to work for CabinetPak Kitchens and served as an arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau.

His wife of 42 years, Emma, died in 1982.

Mr. Peller's favorite pastimes were dancing, photography and poetry. In 1983, he met his companion of 20 years, Vi Roth of Golf Manor, while ballroom dancing at the Alms Hotel. The couple began participating in dance contests, including the Senior Expo at Coney Island, and won three out of five times.

They also enjoyed square dancing at the Hayloft Barn and traveled around the United States participating in polka dancing. For 10 years, they were regulars at the Frankenmuth, Mich., Polka Festival.

In 1992, he began writing an article, "Around the World with Lou Peller" for the Jewish Community Center's NewsReal newsletter. He also contributed numerous letters to the editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer. In 1995, he was inducted into the Club 53 Senior Citizens Hall of Fame and in 1996, he was honored with an award by the Famous Poet Society for his poem, Legs.

Services were held.

Survivors include a daughter, Lorna-Kay Peal of Vermont; a son, Kenneth Peller of Symmes Township; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Memorials can be made to any charity.