See family photos at father Mathias Heissenberger's memorial.

By birth, her name was referenced 'Alouisa' which became Louise in the US. Louise emigrated to the U.S. at age 5, along with her mother and siblings, from Austria, via Bremen, Germany (departed 7/7/13), then Ellis Island, eventually arriving to Buffalo via the train from NYC by 7/17/1913. Before departing, she marveled at the SS Washington steamship in Bremen that they'd be taking to the US, thinking, "Now that's the kind of boat I'd like to be on!"

Her father had already left first to the states, fearing rumors of war, arriving to Ellis Island, NY in 1912. WWI, which broke out in 1914, would have result in at least the oldest sons (her oldest brothers) being drafted in the Austrian/German forces. See more details in father Mathias' bio about coming to America.

Louise lived a long, wonderful life and was a great influence on her sons, daughters in law, 8 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would dodge horse-balls (poop!) roller skating down streets in Buffalo as a child. She rode the streetcar to work during the depression years, lucky to be working, for Mr. Sherman, who owned Riverside Press. She went to bookkeeping school and was his bookkeeper and office manager, overseeing some 35 people. She made $35/week which was "good money" back then she said. She kept just $10 for streetcar fare and dresses, giving the rest to her parents.

As a young woman, she and other family members were active in the Buffalo Turnverein, or athletic club which was an American version of ones that started in Germany. The members were also called Turners and the club is still active today under a newer name.

She was also bookkeeper and main officer for family companies that husband George started: Roetzer Rigging, Park Edge Acres, and others in earlier years. George began early adulthood selling homes his father Casper built along Kensington Ave. in Buffalo, but after marriage, Sept. 24, 1932, St. Mary of Sorrows Church, began a coal delivery business. The coal business folded when 60+ tons of coal were no longer in the yard and Louise reported a huge loss. There were no signs of the yard being broken into. George had to go bankrupt and let Ford Credit repossess two trucks (later 30s).

In the early 40s, he was working 2nd shift at Curtiss-Wright as well as delivering coal during the day with his restarted coal delivery business. Years later, brother Andy broke down and came clean: Joe schemed to resell the coal and got Andy to go along with it and help.

In the 1950s, business was booming with road and parking lot paving and sons George and Robert left college to help in the business. Around this time also, they moved many homes the state bought from families to enable I-290 to be constructed. One of these homes became the family home for George Jr. and family in 1963. George Sr. passed suddenly in 1968, about time the business needed to shift from active contracting jobs to passive income from business rental property off Lovejoy Ave.

Louise and family enjoyed lots of German-American centered activities, she was a member of the Edelweiss Schuhplattler Gebirgstrachten Verein (club), who sponsored German musician concerts and fests with lots of German food, beer and dancing. Many evenings were had at Genesee Park/Deutsches Haus Restaurant (2090 Genesee at Kerns), Waldfest and other German picnic events at Spring Gardens in Marilla NY, and concerts by the Buffalo Zither Club. Son George and grandson Christopher were both members, Christopher likely the youngest remaining zither player from the club which has become dormant again.

After Louise wed husband George in 1932, they moved in with George parental home at 585 Lisbon Ave. where sons Geo. Jr. and Robert were born there. By 1940, they moved to 3215 (rear) Bailey Ave. By 1950, they were at a flat at 528 Woodlawn Ave. By ~ 1956/7, the large 2-story block mixed use building (3 apartments on the 2nd floor) was completed, 1000 E. Ferry St., not far from Woodlawn. Geo. lived here until his death in 1968. Louise moved in 1972 to 2614 Parker Blvd. Tonawanda, a 64-yr.-old widow, the first home she owned in her life! Her home was minutes from both sons Robert and George Jr's homes on Ellicott Cr Rd. Beginning in the early 60s, she preferred driving 2-door Chevrolet Impalas for a while and these others: aqua '66 Impala, green '72 Impala; gold '69 Malibu cpe., brand new blue '77 Cutlass Supreme cpe., cream/green '80 Cutlass 4 door, perhaps her last.

Throughout her adult years, a family favorite was playing pinochle after dinner, most any given night. She enjoyed traveling and went to Germany several times in the 1960s and 70s, at least once with brother Erwin. She also took local bus trip trips with the Seniors club through St. Edmunds R. C. Church in Tonawanda.

She enjoyed needlepoint in her past time and finished some beautiful pieces that family members have today. Louise was a great cook, German foods of course her specialties, be it rouladen, sauerbraten, wienerschnitzel, fried pork or veal cutlets, or roast pork dinner with dumplings and mushroom gravy. Nothing particularly healthy there! Even in later years, she'd usually enjoy at least one cold beer a night after supper. She used to wait for Utica Club to go on sale, $7.99 a case! (Ok that was in the 70s lol).

After a long active life, Louise passed away at age 92 in 2000, survived by brother Erwin, sons George and Robert, their wives, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had contracted bladder cancer, though that was not the primary cause of death. She didn't want to continue to fight it and was ready to go to be reunited with her passed away family. She passed at Beechwood Nursing Home in Amherst NY.