Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Nicholas Roger Harring

1932 - 2021

BORN

1932

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home

1501 West Avenue South

La Crosse, Wisconsin

Nicholas Harring Obituary

Nicholas Roger Harring

LACROSSE - Nicholas Roger Harring, 88, passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at his home in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Roger was born October 4, 1932 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He graduated from Green Bay Central Catholic High School in 1951 and the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science - Physical Education in 1958 and a Masters of Science - Physical Education in 1962. While at UW-La Crosse he met his wife, Mary Koula, and they were married in 1956. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage in August of 2021.

In high school Roger lettered in football, basketball, boxing and baseball. He lettered in football two seasons at St. Norbert College and two seasons at UW-La Crosse, where he played every position except quarterback or center. During the Korean War he served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, including two years overseas.

Roger began coaching at Ladysmith (WI) High School in 1958 where he was the head football, wrestling and track coach. He moved to Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School in 1963 where he was the head football, wrestling and track coach. In 1969, he became head football coach at UW-La Crosse and went on to have 28 consecutive winning seasons. Under his leadership, he compiled a 261-75-7 record, making him the 20th winning collegiate coach at all levels. Roger's teams went to thirteen National Playoffs, with all teams making it to the final four and winning three National Championships. He was named Conference Coach of the Year eight times and was honored twice by being named Division III Coach of the Year. Roger has been inducted into the UW-La Crosse Wall of Fame, the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the NAIA Hall of Fame, and was voted #92 on the ESPN list of the 150 Greatest Coaches in College Football History. In 1988, Roger coached the Bologna Doves in Bologna, Italy and in 1990 he coached the undefeated Pesaro Angels in Pesaro, Italy. Roger was the recipient of several awards from local groups and organizations, including being the 2001 Oktoberfest Parade Marshal. The stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex at UWL was named in his honor.

Roger had the opportunity to travel extensively with his wife, Mary, to many different countries and cultures. Among those were Cuba, China, Germany, Scotland, France, the Netherlands. Also as a United States Marine on the Mediterranean Cruise assignment he was able to visit many North African countries.

Roger's legacy is built on his love for his family, his accomplishments on the football field, his impact on UW-La Crosse, and the many lives he touched along the way.

Roger's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary; his children: Teri (Larry) Pavelec, Susan (Mike) Schwartz, Matthew (Lynn Stetzer) Harring, and Andrew (Bobbi) Harring; nine grandchildren: Nicholas (Cara) Harring, Ben (KayCee) Harring, Alyssa (Nick) Arenz, Jenna Pavelec, Max Pavelec, Josef (Stephanie) Schwartz, Michaela (Tim Holland) Schwartz, Alyssa (Brian) Tapio, and Anna Harring; and three great-grandchildren: Bennett Tapio, Cooper Schwartz and Nicholas Harring. Roger is preceded in death by his son, Nicholas. Following the lives and accomplishments of his grandchildren and great- grandchildren brought Roger immense joy and pride. He was a committed fan on the sidelines of their sporting events, an excellent teller of many, many stories and a trusted source of wisdom and life lessons.

There will be a visitation on Friday, August 27th. A Funeral Mass will be held at Mary, Mother of the Church, 2006 Weston St, La Crosse on Saturday, August 28th at 10:30a.m., Rev. Brian D. Konopa will officiate. Details on location of visitation on Friday will follow at a later date.

We will be following the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse requirements to wear masks at the visitation and at the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roger Harring Scholarship Fund at the UW-La Crosse Foundation or the UW-La Crosse Football team, Attn: Head Coach, Matt Janus.

Online condolences may be made at www.blaschkeschneider.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by La Crosse Tribune on Aug. 15, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Harring

Sponsored by Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home.

10 Entries

Roberto Gotta

August 23, 2021

So sad. Coach Harring, or 'dad' as some of his friends from Italy called him among themselves, was one of the most influential persons in my life. My career as one of the few writers and broadcasters covering the NFL in Italy would never have started without the experience he let me live in La Crosse in 1988. I visited him more than once since, followed the UW-L Eagles and spread the word about his character, kindness, love for his family and costant willingness to improve the world around him. He and his dear wife Mary are the persons, outside of my immediate family, I have cherished and loved the most, by far. I will never forget him, and one of the proudest moments of my life was when I introduced him to my wife on my last visit a few years ago. Rest in peace, Coach.

Piero Parisini

August 22, 2021

I think I'm a lucky boy, I had the chance to see my dreams fulfilled as a boy and now as an adult.
For the adult dream, Roger Harring certainly played a fundamental role. The "dad", as we had nicknamed him among us, gave me the opportunity to live a wonderful and unforgettable experience as a football player at UW-La Crosse. The dream of every boy who practices this beautiful sport with love. Roger and Mary welcomed me into the team and into their home as a family person and I have always felt like family with them. They have always given me love and trust. If I think of Roger Harring I think of a person of sound principles, who has been an example to me for his moral solidity and for his sweet and firm wise way of interpreting life. For many years we have never seen or heard from each other and I regret this, but the memory of Roger and Mary and of those beautiful moments spent with them and at La Crosse has never left me. Roger and Mary have always been in my thoughts and heart despite everything and will be there forever. Today I mourn the death of a great person even before a great Coach and I am close with all of myself to Mary to Andy and to the whole Harring family and I embrace virtually all of them tightly. But Roger's spirit will always be with me, until one day we meet again. Thank you "dad" for being such an important part of my life.
Piero

Dan Brunner

Sent Flowers

Ted and Eileen Collins

August 16, 2021

I am deeply saddened by the news of Roger Harring's passing. I often thought about what a big influence he had on my life. He showed us all that a person must be passionate about what we do in life to succeed. The football teams I played on at Ladysmith High School did not have size, speed or much talent, but we had Roger Harring. Our senior year we had the three top running backs in the conference, were undefeated, and were the number one small school in the state. He was a winner everywhere he coached. Rest in peace, coach.

Doug Huggett

August 16, 2021

I first met Roger through my wife, Mary, when she was at Crescent Printing. They did, and still do, much for the UW-L athletic programs through printing and photography work. I count it a blessing to always have had a pleasant experience, and be in the presence of greatness, whenever we would see and greet each other through the years. Roger was a humble, kind, and gracious man!
My condolences go out to you, Mary, and to the entire family.

Harold "Sam" Samorian and Laura Hearden Samorian

August 16, 2021

Mary and family, as he loved others, he was truly loved by our families. Going back to his young days in Green Bay, all of the connections along the way, we wouldn't be married today if not for Coach Harring. Now resting in the peace of Christ where we all hope to join him. Peace to you all. Sam and Laura

Royce & Lynn Curtis

August 16, 2021

Roger was colleague, friend and inspiration who always showed positive support to all who knew him. May he rest in peace and his family be comforted knowing he led a full and good life. He will be missed.

Dr. Alan and Sandy Freeman

August 15, 2021

Mary and family, Roger was an important person in our lives having spent the first few years at UW-L sharing a phone line with Roger and acting as his secretary! We had wonderful memories as a part of the coaching staff, celebrating wins and not many losses and all the gatherings after the football games. We really had a fun group of football coaches and Roger was a great leader in "mostly" letting us run our part of the football program. He will always be remembered as an icon in UW-L history and will be missed by all of us. Alan Freeman Freshman Football and Varsity receiver coach, Head Wrestling Coach and Professor, San Marcos, Texas

Shelly Soper

August 15, 2021

My mom worked as the secretary to the Athletics director for UWL many many years ago. I remember as a kid, in the summer, I would go with her to work. Mr Herring was a kind man and I would ALWAYS look for him when I was there!! He was definitely my favorite!! My heartfelt condolences to his entire family!!

Dick Papenfuss, PH.D., Santa Fe, NM

August 15, 2021

To Mary and Family:
I was so saddened to receive the news of Roger's passing. I first met him as a student at La Crosse Central in 1958 when he was doing his UW-L student teaching assignment. Later we were great friends at UW-L with MANY outstanding memories! He was truly an excellent role model for everyone who got to know him, and his positive influence touched the lives of so many people. The best news is that we all know where he is today and that God has welcomed him with open arms!

Best to all of you,,,, Pappy and Mary

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results