Don Coffey, 92, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021 with his family by his side after receiving the Anointing of the Sick from Father Walter Stumpf. Don was born on Sept. 15, 1929 in Freedom, the son of Bill and Martha (Arnoldussen) Coffey. He attended St. Nicholas Grade School and Freedom High School. In his youth Don hauled milk and made cheese with his father at the Golden Glow Cheese Factory. Don served in the Wisconsin National Guard, Red Arrow Division, for five years achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. In 1951, Don married Jane Geurts. They operated a cheese factory with Don’s parents in Door County for 3.5 years. After returning to Freedom, Don became an insurance agent for American Family.
Don’s faith was very important to him. He was a lifetime member of St. Nicholas Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and Trustee and very active in the Cursillo Movement. He served on the Freedom School Board and was an officer on the Freedom Alumni Association. He was a member of Romeos and Calicos Square Dancing Club. His hobbies included biking, camping, fishing, snowmobiling, golfing, hiking, bowling, and cross-country skiing. Don was an avid world traveler, having taken over 100 trips.
Don is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jane; children: Mary (Brian) Lenon, Cathy DeLain, Jim (SuJin) Coffey, Amy (Bryan) Baumgartner; grandchildren: Theresa Rowe, Steve and Maggie Lenon, Geena, Willie, and Michael Coffey, Samantha and Katie Baumgartner, and great-granddaughter Leah Rowe. He is also survived by a sister, Shirley Phillips; sisters-in-law: Joyce Nackers, Ione Geurts and Joan Geurts; brother-in-law, Ves Geurts; a special niece, Ellen McBride, and many other nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by a sister, Ila Greiner; son-in-law, Tom DeLain; brothers-in-law: Lefty and Tom Geurts, Howard Nackers, Harvey Bowers, Bill Greiner and Bob Phillips and sisters-in law: Joan Bowers and Ange Geurts.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Saint Nicholas Catholic Church, W2037 County Rd S, Freedom beginning at 9:00 a.m. with Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. Military Honors will be performed by the Freedom VFW Post 7692 after the Mass. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.
He lives in our hearts and our memories.
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