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Gary Coorough Obituary
Gary William Coorough
LA CROSSE - Gary William Coorough, 83, of La Crosse, WI passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023, peacefully at home surrounded by family after a long-fought battle with several medical conditions.
He was born on May 28, 1939 in La Crosse, WI to Bob and Betty (Olson) Coorough. He graduated from Central High School in 1957 and received his bachelor's degree from UW-La Crosse in 1963. He taught math and science at Lincoln Junior High for 5 years prior to joining the faculty of UW-La Crosse in 1968. He then earned his master's degree from UW-La Crosse in 1969 and continued working there for 36 years running the film library and eventually textbook rental, retiring in 2004.
Gary was married to Stephanie Zeimet on April 26, 1980 and they enjoyed 42 years together. Gary is survived by his four children of whom he was extremely proud: Timothy (Danette) Coorough, Randall (Cara) Coorough, Kristi Henry and Nicholas (Carissa) Coorough; his grandchildren: Jason, Trevor, Alyssa, Casey, Claire, Elise, Kennedy and Carter Coorough, Gabe and Abby Henry; his siblings: Danny (Carol) Raith, Clare (Linda) Raith, and Cheryl (Mike) Merfeld; nephews: Bob Lundstad, Greg (Kelly) Lundstad, Evan Zeimet, Mike (Christian) Merfeld, Rob Merfeld; nieces: Betsy Lundstad, Becky (Scott) Roob and Sarah (Jason) Pridemore; along with brothers and sisters- in-law: Edward (Donna), Anna, Tom, and Symantha Zeimet.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Betty Coorough; and sister, Cathy Lundstad.
Gary was very involved in his children's activities whether it was cross country, gymnastics, karate, show choir or the Wisconsin Singers to name a few. He was an avid golfer for most of his life. He also enjoyed tennis, gardening, the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, his pets, hunting, fishing, camping and time on the Mississippi with his kids.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at First Congregational Church, 2503 Main St., La Crosse. Rev. R. Kent Cormack will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the UW-La Crosse Foundation.
Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, La Crosse Chapel is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Coorough
Sponsored by Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services - La Crosse.
RONALD GO
February 14, 2023
Farewell Gary. Thank you for the privilege of walking alongside you through parts of your journey and the opportunity of knowing your wonderful family. Farewell our friend.....
Raju Ailiani
February 12, 2023
Mrs. Coorough and family, please accept my sincere condolences. Gary was very special as a patient and as a friend. I enjoyed listening to him fondly talk about his family during his visits. Peace!
Terry (Bayer)Niebuhr
February 11, 2023
My sincere sympathy to all of Gary’s family. I attended UW-L in the late 1970’s-early 1980’s. During that time I worked in the Film Library as an on campus job. That is where I had the pleasure of meeting Gary. I remember him as a kind man. He left a lasting impression.
Warren Johnson
February 9, 2023
Stephanie and family, my condolences to you. Many years ago I enjoyed Monday evenings with Gary bowling at Coulee. They were good times for me and bring back fond memories. I'm sure you were blessed with many more from a wonderful soul. May God be with you at this time of sorrow.
Warren Johnson
Howard & Jeanne Bowman
February 8, 2023
Our condolences to Randall (& Cara) and all of Gary's Family. Clearly you were blessed by Gary's life. We are making a gift in Gary's honor to the UW-La Crosse Foundation.
Howard & Jeanne Bowman (Cara's Parents)
Pat Haas
February 8, 2023
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Steph, Nick & Carissa..I think of you often and my heart is with you at this difficult time. Hope that ours paths can cross again. Blessings to your entire family.
Jeff & Sharon Yushta
February 5, 2023
We were sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Our sympathies go out to you and your entire family. We have such fond memories of our 'Karate times' together. Nick, we are especially thinking of you in these sad times. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all in the days and months to come.
John Farnen, M.D.
February 5, 2023
It was my privilege to have been involved in Gary's medical care for a number of years prior to my retirement. I came to know what a great man he was, and how much he loved his family. I want to express my condolences to all Gary's surviving family members.
RICHARD PAPENFUSS, PH.D.
February 5, 2023
What a wonderful person! I knew Gary from my days with him as a student at La Crosse Central High School and also as a member of the UW-L faculty. He was always first class!!
Mary Baldwin
February 5, 2023
Sorry for your loss Steph. Miss seeing you at school.
Bruce Delaney
February 5, 2023
So sorry for for loss...I enjoyed bowling with Gary for several years as well with Tim and couples with Steph. Great times and memories with Gary...I wish the Coorough family the very best...RIP buddy!
Nancy Gersch
February 4, 2023
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I am wishing you peace in the middle of this difficult time. There are no words that can do justice to the loss of a spouse and father. May warm memories of him bring you comfort in your grief.
The Handstads
February 4, 2023
May God bless you,
our deepest sympathies in the loss of Gary.
Vicky Arndt
February 4, 2023
My sympathy for you and your family. Prayers for peace and comfort. We always enjoyed seeing you at WI Singer shows❣
Vicky Arndt
Alan Mood
February 4, 2023
Met Gary and Steph when their son Nick became a member of the Wisconsin Singers. As he and I were the two oldest parents of Singers kids, we bonded immediately. Over the next few years, we enjoyed many a conversation about everything. I will always remember Gary as a good and kind person and remember the pride he had for his family.
Alicia Valor
February 4, 2023
Tim I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man always enjoined when came to visit you in Florida. Still remember his expression when I won on the cruise. My condolences to his wife Steph.
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