Dr. Claude C. Deck

Claude C. Deck, 86 of Onalaska, WI, died while surrounded by his family on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at the Mayo Health System, La Crosse. Claude was born on December 28, 1929 in Waumandee, WI, to Joseph and Agnes (Ciszak) Deck and graduated from Arcadia High School in 1948. Claude married his high school sweetheart, Coleen R. Vogel on September 5, 1953 at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help in Arcadia. He was called to serve his country in 1951 as a squad leader in the 25th Infantry Division; 35th Regiment, Tropic Lightning Company in Korea. He was awarded the combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart medal and the following service medals; National Defense, Korean Conflict with two battle stars, United Nations Korean and ROK Korean.
Claude received his BS degree from La Crosse State in 1955, his Master’s in Education Administration from UW- Madison in 1959, his Doctorate in Administration from the University of Northern Colorado in 1967. Claude’s career in education included the Strong School in Beloit, WI, serving as Principal at Summit School in La Crosse, serving as Assistant Director of Personnel for the Madison area Public Schools, professor of Education at UW-La Crosse and Superintendent of the Onalaska School District from 1972 until 1992.
He is survived by his beloved wife Coleen of 62 years, his four children; Lynn (Keith) Virnoche of Atherton, CA, Colette (Tim) Atkinson of Littleton, CO, Coleen A. (Harold Hills) Deck of Beloit, WI, Carol (Dennis) Derichs of Rogers, MN, and grandchildren Lauren Virnoche, Paul, Hanna Atkinson, Emily (Matt) Torsney, Madeline Derichs, stepson Matthew Derichs, sister Mercille Bagniewski and sister in law Sally Deck.
He was preceded in death by his infant son Paul, his parents Joseph and Agnes, brothers Lonnie, La Vern, Morris, sister Bernice and grandson Jeff.
Claude was a lifelong member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and served as Judge Adjutant. He was also an active member of the Onalaska American Legion Post 336 where he had served on the honor guard as Sergeant at Arms and Chaplain.
His legacy includes Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year, the naming of the Performing Arts Center at Onalaska High School for his support of the arts, one of the first inductees on the Wall of Excellence at Onalaska High School, a founding member of the Onalaska Foundation for Educational Excellence which helped fund innovative teachers with grants in his name. He also was the first superintendent to receive the Wisconsin Environmental Award.
Claude was an avid outdoorsman, church choir member, and always had time for a spontaneous dance with his wife.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Onalaska. Msgr. Steven Kachel will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of services. Entombment with Military Honors by the Struck-Klansrud American Legion Post 336 of Onalaska will be held on Monday, February 22 at 10:30 AM in the St. Joseph Mausoleum, Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Memorials may be given to the Onalaska Education Foundation in memory of Claude.