Louise Zokan-Delos Reyes

Louise Marie Zokan-Delos Reyes left us on January 29, 2026, in Billings, Montana at the age of 76.

Louise was born on April 17, 1949, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Leo Zokan and Florence St. Clair Zokan. She spent her childhood and young adult years in Milwaukee, attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she obtained her Master of Social Work degree.

After graduation, Louise left Milwaukee to start her career dedicated to helping the underserved and disenfranchised.   Her journey led to Washington DC and a federal government position within the Department of the Interior/Bureau of Indian Affairs. Over time, Louise’s position took her west to Pierre, South Dakota, and finally to Billings, MT, where she raised her daughters, Jessica and Sarah, with her husband, Roger.  She retired from her position as Miscellaneous Administration & Program Director after 40+ years of being a dedicated civil servant.

During her retirement, Louise became actively engaged with humanitarian causes. She was a fierce advocate for decency and justice.  Louise regularly volunteered for the ACLU, Relay for Life, Walk to End Alzheimer's, as well as supporting political candidates and causes.  Having battled breast cancer for 19 years, she served as an honorary member of the Wisconsin Intertribal Pink Shawl Initiative (founded by her WI family members). Louise enjoyed painting, birding, gardening, and virtual word games with family and friends.  Louise traveled to Hawaii, Europe, and Mexico with her sister Carol. The valuable experiences of cultures and diversity that she gained on these trips would prove useful in her career path. Hawaii being her favorite destination, she and her daughters would travel back on multiple excursions.

Louise could have served as a Montana ambassador. Wisconsin family and friends were always treated to sightseeing, which always showcased the state’s places of interest.

Louise was deeply loved by many who knew her, especially by her loving daughters Jessica and Sarah Delos Reyes and husband Roger Cepeda Delos Reyes. Further survived by sister Carol Zokan (John) Cameron, brother Neal Zokan (Valerie) Braun; cherished friends, cousins, and staff members.

Louise was a warm, strong, resilient woman, a devout Catholic, and a proud enrolled member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Her warmth, strength and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.  A celebration of life is being organized for later this year in Milwaukee.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.