Robert "Bob" J. Corcoran

Robert “Bob” John Corcoran, age 81, passed away on May 18, 2024, after years of enduring considerable ailments. Bob was the oldest of eight children born on April 12, 1943, to Aloysius and Melania (Wolf) Corcoran in La Crosse, WI.

In his youth, Bob attended Aquinas High School, La Crosse, WI, before graduating from St. Peter’s High School, Hokah, MN, in 1961. He began his employment at SuperValu, displaying a strong work ethic that would define his career. In a serendipitous moment at Ranison Ice Cream shop, Bob’s life took a beautiful turn. There, he met Darlene Stadtler and the two started their lifelong journey together. The two were engaged before Bob enlisted in the Navy and served honorably on the USS Bellatrix (AF-62) during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, they married on October 28, 1967, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Caledonia, MN.

In 1968, Bob embarked on an apprenticeship to become an electrician, a career he cherished that inspired him to build his family home on Irish Hill, La Crosse, WI, in 1972. He worked for Zander Electric and often served as the electrician on duty for high school and UWL football games at Memorial Field. Bob’s career was cut short by a debilitating back injury in 1984. Still, he remained a dedicated board member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and enjoyed representing the union at Labor Day parades.

Bob had unwavering faith, indomitable spirit, and steadfast convictions. Despite enduring numerous physical limitations that shattered his hopes and dreams, he persevered through good days and bad, often displaying a strength that belied his suffering. In 2008, the couple moved to La Crescent, MN, where Bob continued to contribute to his faith community, playing a pivotal role in planning renovations for Crucifixion Church. His diverse hobbies, including puzzles, painting, coin collecting, NASA, trains, and making rosaries for missions overseas, further showcased his eclectic interests. Bob’s dream of visiting Ireland was realized when he enjoyed an extended trip with his cousin, Fr. Wolf.

In recent months, Bob faced significantly deteriorating health, leading to several hospital stays. He was moved to La Crescent Health Services for rehabilitation, but a fall there led to his passing.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Darlene, who provided unwavering care; his children, Richard (Tammy) Corcoran, Lynn (Vincent) Roberts, and Randy (Shelly) Corcoran; grandchildren Amber (Nick) Yanske, Jordan Corcoran, Shelly (Paul) Cushing, Alyvia Roberts, Tanner Corcoran, and Ty Corcoran; great-grandchildren Paisley and Avery Yanske, and Isaiah, Judah, Eden, and Ari Cushing; his siblings Carol (Darrel) Hosch, Jim Corcoran, Mary (Jim) Hoelscher, Don (Trish) Corcoran, Arlene (Mike) Hoskins, Steve (Renee) Corcoran, and Dan (Karyl) Corcoran; brother-in-law LeRoy Stadtler; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Bob was preceded in death, most recently, by his granddaughter Bella Roberts; his parents, Aloysius and Melania; sisters-in-law Jan Corcoran, Rose Stadtler, and Judy Stadtler; brother-in-law Junior Stadtler; niece Ann Bauer; and grandson Buddy Roberts.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at ll:00 AM on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Crucifixion Catholic Church, La Crescent, MN, with visitation prior to mass from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Crucifixion Cemetery, La Crescent, MN with a luncheon to follow.

In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bob’s memory to Catholic Charities or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.