Glenn Walinski

Glenn Walinski, 71, of La Crosse, WI, passed away on January 2nd, 2024. He was born on September 1st, 1952, in Milwaukee, WI, to George Walinski and the late Genevieve (Vereb) Walinski.

For anyone who has ever known Glenn, you know that he has taken a passionate approach to helping people, charitable causes, community needs and organizations that help others. This mindset has led him to a lifelong love for Scouts and the Order of the Arrow where he has held multiple leadership positions and mentored 1,000’s of our nation’s youth.

This passion and drive was evident during the two main stages of his career at both the La Crosse Center in Wisconsin and the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, IA. He left an indelible mark at both buildings where he made more contributions and forged more positive relationships with staff and clients than we could mention. He always made friends, not enemies.

Glenn never asked anyone for anything for himself, nor would he. He has always been a person that has given to others without asking for or expecting anything in return. Nothing else has given him the joy and satisfaction he has received from being there for other people in need!

His family, friends, and the connections he has nurtured with others are what he valued most as a man, along with travel and the opportunity to meet people and be part of something greater than himself. His only reward at the successful end of any positive, hard-fought accomplishment would be the self-imposed “brandy and water”.

Glenn is survived by his father George Walinski, his children Ryan Walinski (Courtney) and Nikki VanderHeiden (Jay), his former wife Nola Walinski, and was a loving grandfather to Jayla and Calli. He was preceded in death by his mother Genevieve Walinski and his grandparents Henry and Mary Walinski.

A visitation will be held at Schumacher-Kish funeral home of Onalaska on Thursday the 11th from 4:00 - 7:00 and also on Friday the 12th from 10:00a.m. to noon. Following the visiting hours, a memorial service will take place at the funeral home as well. After the service, the family invites everyone to head to the American Legion Post 336 until 4:00. Only immediate family will be gathering at the mausoleum to lay Glenn to rest. They will join everyone at the Legion for Glenn’s celebration of life reception with appetizers, drinks and music.

In lieu of the flowers, we ask that you either visit Glenn’s GoFundMe page by clicking here: www.gofundme.com or donate to the Gateway Area Council.