Quinn Richard Walsh

Words cannot begin to describe the darkness we are feeling with the passing of Quinn. We already know that death is scary and hard, even when we know it’s coming. It’s even more heart-wrenching when it comes tragically and unexpectedly, taking a life far too soon.

Quinn Richard Walsh was a loving dad to Cecilia (10), son of Dori and Brian, younger brother to Kyle (and Samantha), adoring uncle to Roger, beloved grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend to so many.

Quinn was the second of two sons born to Dori and Brian, and his older brother always took the opportunity to remind him of this. Growing up in La Crosse, a 2011 graduate of Central High School, Quinn loved swimming and playing baseball (catcher, specifically) in the summer, while playing basketball, tennis, and football in the front yard whenever he got the chance. Though he didn’t end up pursuing music in a formal way, Quinn never missed a chance to show off his skill by playing “Fur Elise” whenever he came across a keyboard or piano. He earned his black belt in karate, and Kyle was always willing to help him put his moves to the test.

Quinn loved animals, most of which he found or picked up without telling anyone, only to have them somehow find permanent residence at his mom’s house (a dog, cat, and gerbil just to name a few). Quinn and his dog, Belle, were attached at the hip (and by leash), and he enjoyed spending time with her and Cecilia at dog parks.

Quinn loved being a dad more than anything in the world. When talking or catching up with friends and family, he never missed a chance to brag about his beautiful daughter. Her creativity, curiosity, and energetic presence brought him joy in its purest form. Quinn tried to bring this joy to those he met, too.

Anyone who knew Quinn knew how kind and compassionate he was. Whether it was a coffee gift card on his sister-in-law’s birthday or finding some of the coolest items at the Salvation Army he managed- mostly for his daughter or nephew, but sometimes himself, specifically shoes- he was always thinking about how he could make others happy. Family was so important to Quinn, in the typical sense of the word and even in the non- traditional ways.

Quinn had enrolled in college courses this fall, hoping to pursue a path in business, political science, or leadership and management. Most recently, as the Bloomington Salvation Army Store Manager, he was nominated for the Special Caring Award with Bloomington Public Schools. His nominator wrote, “Quinn is aware of each of our interns’ strengths and challenges and is always encouraging. Even when very busy, Quinn will always spend the time saying ‘hi’ and talking with an intern and his staff.”

Quinn’s life was not without challenges; it was filled with obstacles most of us will never face, as he fought for the better part of his adult life to overcome addiction. Eventually, Minneapolis became his new home and sanctuary, and he was committed to doing anything within his power to make sure his future- and his daughter’s- was positive, safe, and full of opportunity. Quinn leaned on his faith, the supportive relationships he had, and groups he was a part of to help guide him. Cecilia was his most important reason for giving it everything he could. Not having Quinn here to answer our questions, we are left feeling the deep, inexplicable pain that this stigmatizing disease has not only on an individual, but their loved ones, too.

Quinn’s passing is a devastating reminder of how fragile life is, and that we rarely know the experience someone has, or the battles they’ve faced. We often have no way of knowing when one call, hug, or even argument may be the last. Everyone who knew Quinn is left with a void that no one can fill; that is something we will struggle for a while to accept, with so many questions unanswered.

Our lights have been dimmed, and while it feels easy and necessary right now to focus on his death, we’ll need to help each other remember his life. We have no choice but to believe that Quinn has found peace, and that he never again has to experience even an ounce of the pain we feel without him.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse, followed by an invitation to share stories and memories of Quinn during a luncheon at the Hatchery Riverside, 410 E. Veterans Memorial Drive, La Crosse. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made/checks can be written to Kyle Walsh in support of Quinn’s daughter Cecilia. Please forward all donations to the funeral home.