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John Coenen Obituary

John "Jack" Coenen

Kaukauna - John (Jack) Coenen passed away peacefully on Friday July 2, 2021, surrounded by family.

Jack was born in Kaukauna January 15, 1939, to Peter and Lillian (LaRock) Coenen. He was the youngest of five. Jack has always valued family. He was blessed to have many dear friends in his life. At a young age Jack discovered his passion for sports. He played football at UW Madison, enjoyed many years playing fast pitch softball, golfed when he could, and rarely missed a ball game when one of the 7 grandkids were playing.

Jack's other passion was a girl he met in the 7th grade from the North side of town, Judy (Kiffe) Coenen. She became his high school sweetheart and later his wife of 61 years. Together they raised three children and built a successful business as owners of The Rose Hill Bar & Grill, which they ran for 32 years.

Most would describe Jack as a man of few words, but when he did speak, they were words of wisdom. He had a great sense of humor and many stories to share. He was also the first to lend a hand to those who need it. He will be dearly missed.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife Judy; children Kevin Coenen, Kurt (Jane) Coenen, and Kristen (Tim) Krause; grandchildren Matt (Molly) Coenen, Johnny (Alexa) Coenen, Nicole Coenen, Alex (Kate) Coenen, Emma (Tom) Klister, Morgan Krause, and Mitch Krause; great grandchildren Penelope Coenen and Remy Klister. Jack also leaves behind his sister Dorothy (Dot) Schmidt, sister in-law Ruth Coenen, sister in-law Susie Kiffe, and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind Brian (LouAnn)Vandenberg whom Jack loved like a son and their children Jacob(Kelsey) Vandenberg (daughter Addison) and Lindsey(Daniel) Maley.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ralph Coenen; sisters Rose (Hank) Kuchelmeister and Joan (Ron) Diedrick; in-laws Eunice and Clayton Kiffe, brother in-laws Alphonse Schmidt and Jim Kiffe; and sister in-laws Joanne Kiffe and Janet (Neil) Kalupa.

The funeral liturgy for Jack will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021 at 12:00PM at ST KATHARINE DREXEL CHURCH, ST. MARY SITE, 119 E. 7th St., Kaukauna. A time of visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00 Am until the time of the service at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.verkuilenfh.com. A memorial fund is being established in Jack's name.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the following individuals: Dr Jack Anderson for the many years of outstanding care provided as Jack's primary physician. We cannot thank you enough. Amber Uitenbroek RN and the hospice team at ThedaCare. Thank you for guiding us through the final days of Jack's battle with lung cancer. Your compassion, professionalism, knowledge, and reliability meant the world to our family. Lynn Harp for her ongoing kindness and support as a dear friend, and neighbor.

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

Published by Appleton Post-Crescent from Jul. 3 to Jul. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Coenen

Sponsored by Verkuilen - Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home - Kaukauna.

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Frank Kuchelmeister

June 27, 2025

Although time has passed since Jack Coenen passed his absence continues to leave a void in one´s heart. A friendly smiling face is always missed. Uncle Jack was a good man, good person and a good friend. May God keep him close.

Dennis Delorit

October 29, 2021

I´m so sorry to hear about the passing of Jack, I was just told today of his passing. Great guy, Many fun times at the bar and on the ballfield. Your family is in our prayers, Dennis and Mary Jo Delorit.

BRONSON DOERING

July 13, 2021

What a great man. I have a lot of good memories of him. Photo albums full of fun pictures. Thanks Jack for all the memories. You were a good Man. Love Bronson "Cliff "

Jean and Ron Brinkman

July 10, 2021

Judy, Kevin, Kurt, and Wheels, so sorry to hear about Jack's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Many fond memories of fun times at the various ballparks and the Rose Hill. May he rest in peace and the many memories keep you smiling. love and hugs, Ron and Jean

Clemons family

July 9, 2021

Class act all the way. Family first by example and boy could he tell a story.
He and his wit will truly be missed

Gary Gast

July 9, 2021

Kurt- words cannot express the influence your father had on so many. He was a mentor, friend, and comrade to so many. He commanded respect. He indeed was a legend in the true sense of the meaning to be remembered by all who met him.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Bill and Ann Weiner

Planted Trees

Jim & Cara Techlin

July 7, 2021

Kevin, Kurt, Wheels and Judy our deepest condolences. Jack was an awesome man and will be missed by many. May all your wonderful memories keep him alive in your heart RIP Ja

[email protected]

July 7, 2021

To Jack's family thank you for having such a wonderful person in all our life's our prayers are with all of you at this time. Steve and Joan Woldt

[email protected]

July 5, 2021

Judy, please accept our sincere regrets on hearing of Jack's passing.
God bless you and the Family and cherish the considerable journey of memories!
Pat and Samm Cox

Pat Cox

July 5, 2021

One of Kaukauna's greatest athletes and outstanding role model.
Though a few years older, I had the pleasure of playing very competitive baseball with Jack, a very fine player and great team mate.
Pat Cox

Gary Mulry

July 5, 2021

Judy and Family, On behalf of the entire Mulry family I´d like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to Judy and the family. Jack was an awesome human being who did lots for his friends and for his family. Everyone in our family has a fond memory of being at Rose Hill at some point in our childhood and adult lives. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, God bless.

Jim Weigman

July 4, 2021

Great man awesome athlete someone I looked up to as good person Always called my Mom Petunia say hi please

Steve De Bruin

July 4, 2021

My deepest sympathies to Judy and family. Jack was an incredible man. He always made you feel welcome in his own unique ways. He knew those he could mess with and those who didn't take a little ribbing very well. Bottom line, he always treated you with respect and you knew it was sincere. I know you have countless great memories and stories to keep in your heart. He will be sorely missed.

Frank and Jeanne Kuchelmeister and family

July 4, 2021

We wish you our sincere condolences on your loss of a very dear loved one. He will be missed. We always looked forward to visiting with Jack and Judy on our visits to Kaukauna.

Bootz Cathy

July 4, 2021

God bless you all. He was a great guy....very kind.

Jay and Donna Kopplin

July 4, 2021

Jack, was definitely a man with influential comments and wit. Could not have asked for a better neighbor (friend) during the years lived on lake Poygan. Many memories were made together. Judy, our hearts ache with and for you. Condolences, to his family and many friends.

Don Spindler

July 4, 2021

My memories of double dating back in high school brings fond memories of good friends

Dan & Dawn Van Schyndel

July 3, 2021

Condolences to the Coenen Family. Jack was a great man and the world was better with him in it. R.I.P. Jack.

Judy and Bud Koehnke

July 3, 2021

Dear Judy and children. Our hearts go out to you and your families. Love our great memories with you all as friends and playing softball for Jacks Rose Hill. God has opened his arms to Jack. May he Rest In Peace.

Lois and Red Brown

July 3, 2021

Judy and family,we are so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. He was a great guy,and friend to all. Prayers for you and your family

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

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Memorial Events
for John Coenen

Jul

9

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. Katharine Drexel Parish - St. Mary Church (Kaukauna)

Jul

9

Funeral service

12:00 p.m.

St. Katharine Drexel Parish, St. Mary Church

119 W. 7th Street, Kaukauna, WI 54130

Funeral services provided by:

Verkuilen - Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home - Kaukauna

2401 Fieldcrest Drive, Kaukauna, WI 54130

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