Gene W. Gonia

Gene W. Gonia, of La Crosse, WI, the man who spoke softly and carried a big stick (AKA his prized Diamond Willow cane), passed into eternal life on September 10, 2023. Gene was the youngest of six born to Russell and Elmeda (McElroy) Gonia on Oct. 2, 1952. Gene grew up in West Salem, WI, and his family had deep roots in Jackson County where his grandparents homesteaded. Gene was a career painter and professional bus driver and had many roles in life: brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend, umpire, gardener, hunter, master trout fisherman, and chaplain of the Game Getters Bowhunting Club.

Gene graduated from West Salem High School in 1971. He wanted to serve in the US military but when that did not work out, he moved to El Paso for several months. While living there, Gene loved driving his motorcycle into Juarez, Mexico and once as far as Mexico City! Coming to his senses and returning to the Coulee Region proved to be the best decision of Gene’s life as that is where he met the love of his life Sandy Hammond. Gene and Sandy were married on May 24, 1980, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church in Roaring Creek, WI (Jackson County). This blessed union of 43 wonderful years included raising two children, Leslie and William. Gene was very romantic, loved spending time with his family, playing with his children and grandchildren, driving no faster than the posted speed limit, and enjoying the great outdoors. Gene had a strong work ethic and spent most of his career working multiple jobs. His favorite job was driving the bus for kids with special needs or area prep athletic teams. Gene even earned the nickname “Coach Gonia” from the La Crosse Central Wrestling Team.

Gene is survived by his wife, Sandy; daughter Leslie (Kevin) Sullivan of Hayward, WI; son Will of Black River Falls, WI; three grandchildren, Finnian, Kieren, and Madigan Sullivan; siblings Sandy (David), Linda, Gloria, and Dennis. Surviving In-laws are Donna, Ken (Marie), Troy (Bette), Judy (Dennis), John (Cyndi), Carol (Nick), Diane (John). Gene has countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Those who have preceded Gene in death include his parents Russell & Elmeda, brother Blaine, brother in-law Robert Knutson, and in-laws: Clayton & Kathryn Hammond, John Hunsley, David Hammond, Ruby & Ken Mathews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Friday, September 15, 2023 at The Cathedral of St. Joseph The Workman. Rev. Honore Kombo will officiate. Burial will take place at 1:45 pm in the Rest Haven Cemetery, Blair, WI. Friends may call on the family Thursday evening from 5 until 7 pm at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services La Crosse chapel; 200 West Ave. S., La Crosse WI. 54601. A prayer vigil will be held at 5pm. Visitation will also take place at the church on Friday from 9am until the time of services.

Gene and his family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Mayo Franciscan Hospice team for their top-notch care in these last months. In Gene’s honor, memorials may be sent to St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota, or the St. Joseph Cathedral Front Door Ministry in La Crosse.