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Eugene "Gene" F. Coonen June 4, 1947 - February 7, 2024

Eugene "Gene" Francis Coonen passed away peacefully in his loving wife's arms early Wednesday February 7, 2024. He was the fourth child of fourteen, born to Melvin Sr and Isabel (Kimps) Coonen on June 4, 1947, in Green Bay, WI. He lived his entire childhood in Oneida, WI, growing up working at his father's gas station.

In 1966 he graduated from Premontre (Notre Dame) High School. He worked many jobs including helping his uncle in the heating business, and pouring basements with Peterson Builders, before working his favorite jobs at Moore Business Forms, now RR Donnelley. He started as a machine operator and retired as an ink technician, after 40 years.

Gene was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam on November 14, 1968. He was ranked a Corporal SP4 and was honorably discharged June 17, 1970, when he returned home to Oneida and worked at Moore Business Forms. He attended NWTC and graduated with a AS in Marketing Management.

August 9, 1980, he was married to his best friend, the love of his life, his "sweetheart" LuAnn (Leisgang) in Seymour, WI. They enjoyed 43 wonderful years together and had three children who he was very proud of as well as all of their accomplishments. Melissa (Michael) Rusch, Corey (Lindsey) Coonen, and Lacey Coonen. His pride and joy were his two grandchildren Israel and Jeremiah Rusch, and four grand dogs: Tillie, Maggie, Beckham, and Sophia.

His favorite pastimes were going on family vacations, golfing, bowling, hunting, playing cards, and especially fishing with his son and with friends. Due to health issues, the last few years he enjoyed watching TV and movies with his family.

Every summer, you could find him meticulously mowing his lawn like a golf course and trimming his blue spruce trees with a beer in his hand. Every winter he enjoyed decorating his entire house and yard for Christmas. He had a life-sized wooden nativity set outside and enough lights to be a second runway for the airport. His girls made him turn the lights off at night so they could fall asleep, or it looked like a car parked outside their window.

All three of his kids remember Dad taking them on "short cuts" during car rides that could last hours. Corey was privileged to escort Gene on the Honor Flight, October 23, 2019, a very memorable and appreciated experience they enjoyed.

Gene was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus-Council 3955, De Pere; and a member and past Commander of VFW Post #2113, De Pere, WI, including conducting military honor guards.

Besides his wife, children, and grandchildren, Eugene is survived by his siblings Melvin Jr (Joanne), Mike (Jeanne), Sharon Zisa, Karen (Jim) Wiltzius, Rosemary (Bill) Nell, Emery, Suzanne Baker, Debra Coonen, and Marilyn (Garry) Glime.

Preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ron, Tom, Gary Pat, and his sister Jeanette. Brothers-in-law Peter Zisa and Jim Baker.

Eugene is further survived by LuAnn's family Larry Leisgang, Laura (Kevin) Ovans, Lois (Tim) DeBeck, and Lanae (John) Haines. Deceased parents-in-law, Frank and Joann Leisgang. Deceased in-laws; Linda Leisgang and Lisa (Russ) Ganter.

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, as well as many friends.

Friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere from 5:00PM Friday, February 16th, with a Knights of Columbus Prayer Service at 7:00PM to bring the evening to a close. Visitation will continue on Saturday morning at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church from 9:00AM – 10:15AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM with Fr. James Baraniak O.Praem. officiating. Military rites will take place after mass.

After returning from Vietnam, Eugene had endured many health issues: surgeries, COPD, and PTSD from the war; he is finally pain free and at peace. We love you and will miss you every day!

We especially would like to thank De Pere Fire and Rescue Squad for the care and kindness they provided when transporting him to the E.R., or the lift assists when he fell the last few weeks; as well as Father Jim Baraniak for his comforting words and his visits.

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