Lawrence Frederick Coenen

Lawrence Frederick Dick Coenen, 86 of La Crescent, died on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Tomah. He was born October 30, 1926 in Alma Center, WI to Anton and Regina (Swarz) Coenen.

On June 25, 1949 he married Doris Louise Abbs at St. James Catholic Church in Camp Douglas, WI and she preceded him in death on March 10, 1985. On May 27, 1989 he married Shirley Deerman Shawley at Crucifixion Catholic Church in La Crescent.

The family moved to the Oakdale WI area early in his childhood to farm. During his school years, Dick had worked at Spring Bank for Doc Severson. On November 9, 1944 he enlisted in the United States Navy and honorably served until his discharge on July 12, 1946.

Dick worked for the Oakdale Electric Cooperative as a journeyman lineman for 40 years and retired as a foreman of line construction. He also farmed in the Oakdale area until 1959. Dick served on the Oakdale Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years; he served on the board of the Oakdale Credit Union as a trustee and also served on the board of St. Michaels Catholic Church, Indian Creek. Dick also was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the DAV and was proud of the fact that he was a frequent blood donor. At one time had given the most blood in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. Dick worked as a volunteer at Gundersen-Lutheran Medical Center, Semcac and several other organizations.

In addition to his wife Shirley, he is survived by six children; Constance (Wade) Cox of Tomah, Susan (Roger) Brueggeman of Sparta, Therese (John) Gamble of Trego, Carol (Rick) Welper of Lansing, IA, Patricia (Stan) Macheichok of Mauston, and Julie (Keith) Lindblad of Hayward, ; five step-children, Tom Shawley of La Crosse, Kathy Shawley of Onalaska, Barbara (Scott) Tarnor of La Crosse, Gale (Jeff) Bagstad of West Salem and Anessa (Rick) Suhr of Holmen; 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, 1 step-greatgrandchild; a brother-in-law, Richard (Audrey) Abbs of Tomah, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his first wife Doris, he was preceded in death by a son, Scott Lawrence Coenen; four brothers, Clarence, Paul, Raymond and Joseph Coenen; two sisters, Selma Clements and Florence Harding; a step-grandson, James Clark and many other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 11th at Crucifixion Catholic Church in La Crescent with Rev. Gregory Havel officiating. Friends and family may call on Tuesday from 4-8 PM at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 111 S. Oak Street, La Crescent where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 PM; and again at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of services. A private family burial will be held at a later date in St. Michaels Indian Creek Cemetery, Oakdale Township, WI.