John L. Alden

John L. Alden, 86 of rural La Crosse, died at his home on Tuesday, February 6, 2018. He was born in Viroqua, Wis., on May 21, 1931 to Carl and Florence (Doerr) Alden. He married Helen Jacobson in Viroqua on May 4, 1952 and she preceded him in death on April 27, 2014. John had proudly served his country in the National Guard for fourteen years. Hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling were all activities that John enjoyed on the family property in Black River Falls, Wis. Most of his adult life was spent in the town of Medary.

John is survived by his three sons; Alan (Sandy) Alden of Chippewa Falls, Wis., Gary (Karren) Alden of Briggsville, Wis., Curt (Joan) Alden of Portage, Wis., six grandchildren; Hillary (Dan) Williams, Ben (Jenna) Alden, Sharon Alden, Jason Alden, Patrick Alden, Jessica (Kou) Her and ten great grandchildren who affectionately knew him as "Papa John".  He is further survived by sisters in law Janet Jacobson and Marcelene Hartley. In addition to his wife Helen, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Elda Mae Cosgrove and Elsie Graham.

Memorial services will be held at 11am on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services La Crosse chapel; 200 West Ave. South.  Pastor Karen Bankes will officiate. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call on the family Saturday morning at the funeral home from 9:30am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated to various charities in John’s memory.