Gary W. Coorough

Gary William Coorough, 83, of La Crosse, WI passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023, peacefully at home surrounded by family after a long-fought battle with several medical conditions.

He was born on May 28, 1939 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Bob and Betty (Olson) Coorough. He graduated from Central High School in 1957 and received his bachelor’s degree from UW-La Crosse in 1963. He taught math and science at Lincoln Junior High for 5 years prior to joining the faculty of UW-La Crosse in 1968. He then earned his master’s degree from UW-La Crosse in 1969 and continued working there for 36 years running the film library and eventually textbook rental, retiring in 2004.

Gary was married to Stephanie Zeimet on April 26, 1980 and they enjoyed 42 years together. Gary is survived by his four children of whom he was extremely proud, Timothy (Danette) Coorough, Randall (Cara) Coorough, Kristi Henry and Nicholas (Carissa) Coorough, his grandchildren Jason, Trevor, Alyssa, Casey, Claire, Elise, Kennedy and Carter Coorough, Gabe and Abby Henry, his siblings Danny (Carol) Raith, Clare (Linda) Raith, and Cheryl (Mike) Merfeld, nephews Bob Lundstad, Greg (Kelly) Lundstad, Evan Zeimet, Mike (Christian) Merfeld, Rob Merfeld, nieces Betsy Lundstad, Becky (Scott) Roob and Sarah (Jason) Pridemore along with brothers and sisters- in-law Edward (Donna), Anna, Tom, and Symantha Zeimet.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Betty Coorough, and sister Cathy Lundstad.

Gary was very involved in his children’s activities whether it was cross country, gymnastics, karate, show choir or the Wisconsin Singers to name a few. He was an avid golfer for most of his life. He also enjoyed tennis, gardening, the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, his pets, hunting, fishing, camping and time on the Mississippi with his kids.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at First Congregational Church, 2503 Main St., La Crosse. Rev. R. Kent Cormack will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10 AM until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the UW-La Crosse Foundation.