Roger Coenen

1942 - 2016

COENEN, Roger

Roger F. Coenen, 73, of Hortonville, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, April 22, 2016. Roger was born on November 6, 1942, in De Pere, WI, to Ray and Ruby (Fuss) Coenen. He graduated from Hortonville High School in 1960. On February 11, 1961, Roger married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Jean Frye, and they recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. They were blessed with three daughters, Rochelle (Scott) Loewenhagen, Chris (David) Koeppl, and Bonnie (Todd) Olsen, and a son, Jeremy Roger (Betsy) Coenen.

Roger taught his children the value of hard work and the importance of caring for other people and it is this legacy that his children are passing down to their children and grandchildren. Roger and Gloria have 16 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren: Drew (Erin) Koeppl, Kami, Hutchinson and baby due 06/2016; Lynsi (Will) Puetz, Stephen, Sophia, and baby due 09/2016; Blair (Kim) Koeppl and baby due 07/2016; Chelsey Koeppl; Jacci Loewenhagen; Nick LaFave and daughter Cali; Chailey Koeppl; McKenna Koeppl; Jenna LaFave; Konner Koeppl; Jack Coenen; Brooklyn Coenen; Raegan Coenen; Mya Coenen; Ava Coenen; and Todd Olsen. Sunday was always donut day at Papa's house and the family will be carrying on this tradition.

Roger never gave up on anyone and always gave them a second or third chance. He helped many people throughout his life who were down on their luck or just needed someone to believe in them. He was a member of the Lions Club for over 45 years and was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Award.

Roger was happiest when he was up North at their cottage in Three Lakes teaching the grandkids how to fish or taking them on pontoon boat rides. The family was able to get him up there one last time thanks to Rick and Janis Bartel and their "bus".

Throughout his life Roger never worked just one job. His first was at Wire Products Company. He then obtained his real estate broker's license which led to his career as a land developer. At the same time Roger also owned a construction company and built houses throughout Wisconsin. Never one to let the grass grow under his feet during this time he also cash cropped, ran a pheasant farm, and was a certified soil tester. In 1980 he opened JR'S True Value Hardware Store in Hortonville, WI. He soon expanded to Manawa and Waupaca. Eventually he concentrated his hardware knowledge in Waupaca and his loyal customers will tell you that if Rog couldn't fix it or figure it out, it could not be done. In the early 80s he taught himself locksmithing and JR's Lock and Key was born. Roger and his daughter Bonnie traveled Waupaca County and beyond rescuing stranded motorists, homeowners, and business owners.

Roger is further survived by his siblings Don Coenen, Jerry (Marilyn) Coenen, Judy (Rick Eichhorn) Coenen-Eichhorn; and sister-in-law Barb Coenen. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Jim Coenen; nephews Steve Coenen and Doug Coenen; niece Laurie Hillsberg; and sister-in-law Joann Coenen.

The children would like to thank their mother for being such a great caregiver to Dad all these years.

Shell, Chris, and Bonnie would like to thank Jeremy for the great care he gave Dad these last few months.

The family would also like to thank Kelly and the ThedaCare Hospice staff for all of their care over the last few weeks.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday April 26, 2016 at 11 AM at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hortonville with Pastors Ralph Rosenberg and Joel Jenswold officiating, with burial to follow at the Hortonville Union Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday from 4 to 8 PM at Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca and again on Tuesday morning at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hortonville from 9 AM until the start of the service.

In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in Roger's name.