John "Jack" R. Coenen

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.

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