Sean Arena

Sean Arena, 57, of La Crosse, WI passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. He was born on January 12, 1967 in Libertyville, IL to James and Mary (Gilheaney) Arena. He attended elementary and high school – both private and public – in Kenosha, WI. He worked at a variety of jobs, including restaurants and shoe and sporting goods stores. He always thought the La Crosse area could be improved by having a Denny’s Restaurant. A marriage produced two children. After the divorce he logged thousands of miles to visit and spend time with them.

Sean served his country in both the U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy, traveling to exotic lands and sailing seas and oceans. After obtaining a master’s degree at UW-Stout in Vocational Rehabilitation, he continued to help others by aiding people with disabilities to find jobs and working at Recovery Ave (RAVE).

Sean enjoyed martial arts, motorcycles, music, cooking, reading, comics, video games and role-playing games. His favorite movie genres were comedy, action, zombies, science fiction and fantasy. He once admitted to watching and enjoying the movie “A walk in the clouds”. Music in many styles was enjoyed, but 80’s songs were his favorites.

His four-footed companions included dogs, cats and house rabbits. To let the rabbits know it was mealtime he would sing the following.

Who’s ready for breakfast?

My bunnies

My bunnies, yeah

Who’s ready for breakfast?

My bunnies are.

R-A-B-B-I-T

Bunny, Bunny, Bunny Buns

Bunny Buns

Bunny Buns

Forever jumping higher, higher

(sung in a higher pitch) higher, higher, higher.

In the past 15 years, Sean found love again with Belinda Stratton. To the relationship he brought his cooking experience, a great sense of humor, a talent for spelling and patience. He showed his love, especially by a willingness to grocery shop alone, driving to MOKA for coffee drinks for Belinda, waiting for her while she “just popped into” a thrift store or quilting store. He also did most of the research for buying a vehicle, making a big purchase and finding their current home. Sean took tender care of Belinda when she was ill, injured or sad. He is loved and terribly missed by friends and family.

He is survived by his mother Mary, brothers Jon and Seamus, sister Mitzi, children Thomas and Caitlin, grandchildren Wyatt and Eloise, along with his girlfriend Belinda. He was preceded in death by his father James.

Sean got three of his bunny friends from Coulee Region Humane Society and donations in his memory could go to that wonderful organization.

Sean will not be forgotten……….

Per Sean’s wishes, there will be no services.