Patrick H. Coon

BIG SPRING --  Patrick H. Coon, age 63, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 9, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, surrounded by his loving family.

Patrick was born on February 4, 1952, in Portage, the son of Francis and Dorothy (Gaffney) Coon. He graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in 1970.  He married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Armson on May 8, 1971, at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Wisconsin Dells.  Pat and Cheryl have lived in Big Spring for 43 years.  Cheryl has lost not only her husband, but her best friend and soul mate.  Pat retired from Cattell Inc., in Madison, in 2012, after 40 years as a cement mason, and was a member of O.P. & C.M. Local 599, Madison.  He was also a member of the New Haven Township Land Use Committee.

Pat enjoyed fishing, hunting, and anything that involved being outdoors.  He loved deer season and the crew he hunted with, and he treasured his deer mounts.  He also enjoyed his hunting trips to the Dakotas.  Pat was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.  A handyman, affectionately referred to as MacGyver, by his daughters and friends, Pat could fix anything.  Even if something wasn’t broken he’d take it apart, figure out how it worked and put it back together.  A quiet man, with quick wit, he could start a conversation with anyone in any setting.  He enjoyed grilling, especially chicken, which was an opportunity for friends to stop by.  You never knew how long social hour was going to be—it all depended on the traffic.  Pat always made time to help others.  He helped those in the neighborhood, especially with snow plowing, but anyone, and anything needed was included in his generosity.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, of Big Spring, his daughters, Brenda (Tom) Klapoetke, of Briggsville, and Kim (Jason) Musiedlak, of Briggsville; his mother, Dorothy Coon of Big Spring, his sisters, Gloria (Gary) Stroede of Wisconsin Dells, and Yvonne Huber of San Diego, CA; his grandchildren, Maya and Jana Musiedlak; his sister-in-law, Darleen (Edwin) Mittelstaedt, of Chatham, IL; his brother-in-law, Jerry (Peggy) Armson, of Black River Falls; his sister-in-law, Kathy Coon, of Brooks; his brother-in-law, Dean Huber, of Reedsburg; numerous nieces, nephews, longtime and dearest friend, Jim Joyce, other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Coon, his brother, Joseph Coon, an infant brother, Tommy Coon, his father-in-law, Duane Armson, his mother-in-law, Beatrice Armson, and a nephew, Tommie Huber.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, February 14, 2015, at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Briggsville with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Briggsville.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.