Robert J Degenhardt

Robert J. Degenhardt, 60, of La Crosse, died on Friday, May 25, 2012 in his home, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 3, 1951 in La Crosse to Omer and Anita (Mashak) Degenhardt. He graduated from Cashton High School. On December 25, 1988 he married Sharon M. Dunn in La Crosse. He had worked for Fowler & Hammer, La Crosse Concrete, McNeilus and Croell Redi-Mix. Robert raced snowmobiles for a number of years receiving many trophies. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson, doing mechanic work out in the garage and spending time with his family. During the Christmas Holiday, Bob would spend time playing Santa Claus and handed out stuffed animals to many children. He was a man with a big heart who was always willing to go above and beyond to help others.

He is survived by his wife Sharon, two daughters Sonia (Jonathan) McCabe of Cresco, IA, Jacklyn Ekern of Cedarburg, WI, a grandson Quinlan McCabe of Cresco, IA, sisters Sharon (Jack) Schreier of Kirkland, IL, Barbara (Dan) Bull of Eau Claire, WI, Dina (Alan) Cavadini of Coon Valley, WI and Sandra (Ron) Clark of La Crosse, WI, brothers Paul (Vicki) Degenhardt of West Salem, WI, Dan (Ann) Degenhardt of Coon Valley, WI and Mark (Colleen) Degenhardt of La Crosse, WI, a sister-in-law Alfrieda Degenhardt of Belvidere, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents Omer and Anita and his brother Hank.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at St. Patricks Catholic Church, 1031 Main St., Onalaska. Rev. Steven Kachel will officiate. Burial will follow in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher- Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse, on Monday from 4-7 PM where a prayer service will be held at 4:00 PM.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Mayo Cancer Center in La Crosse for their excellent care and compassion. Also to Drs. Mario Skobic and Sandra Cepoi.