Born in 1908 to August Tremmel and Mamie Ott, Louis Tremmel grew up destined to participate in the family’s business, August Tremmel Copper, Tin and Ironworks.
After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in 1926, Louis continued working in his father’s shop and the company was renamed “August Tremmel & Son”. Upon August’s passing in 1941, Louis became owner and manager of the company.
From the 1920s through 1957, under Louis Tremmel’s leadership, August Tremmel & Son produced many apparatuses and types of equipment used by the seafood processing industry. One notable item perfected during this time was the kerosene flambeau floundering light. (An example of this device is on display at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum.)
From 1939 to 1945, August Tremmel & Son were contracted by Westergard Shipyard producing non-metallic ship vents, cowls, and mooring accessories for the “Mine Sweepers” that were sent to England for the war effort. Later, August Tremmel & Son designed and manufactured life rafts for Liberty Ships. But these contributions to the war effort did not impede the company’s continued work for the seafood processing industry in Biloxi.
Louis Tremmel married Margaret Roberts in 1931, and together raised five children, in whom they instilled the rich heritage that is Biloxi. Civic minded, Louis Tremmel was a member of The City of Biloxi Community Development Board of Adjustment & Appeals, a board member of the Howard Memorial Hospital in Biloxi, a member of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, and the Mayoral Election Executive Committee. Louis was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, a founding member of the Biloxi chapter of Kiwanis International and a member of the Biloxi Lions Club.
It is for all of these generous contributions to this Gulf Coast community and the seafood industry that we are pleased to honor Mr. Louis A. Tremmel, Sr. into the Maritime & Seafood Industry’s Heritage Hall of Fame.