Richard J. Coffin

Richard (Rick) J. Coffin, 74, passed away peacefully at the Hillview Care Center in Sparta, WI on September 1, 2022. Rick had been diagnosed with Stage 1 Pancreatic Cancer in March 2020 and had surgery in October 2020. Six months later a spot was found on his liver that chemo and radiation were not able to eradicate. He had been hospitalized since July 4th at Gunderson Health Care in La Crosse.

Rick grew up in Dubuque, IA and graduated from Wahlert High School in 1966.  Rick dedicated his life to his family and friends. He served in the US Navy for 22 years. While in the Navy Rick was stationed at and traveled to many bases in several countries - the last being stationed at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. while living in Dale City, Virginia. Rick served in the Navy from 1966 until 1990 and had many stories to tell. He was a Russian linguist, cryptologist, Instructor and served aboard submarines.

He was active in Boy Scout growing up and then as a Leader later in life. He was a VFW Member of Post 2112, an American Legion member in Norwalk and a member of the VFW Cooties. He had just finished his year as Commander of Post 2112.  Rick met his wife Laurie when she was living in an apartment next door to his parents. They married on February 12, 1972 and just celebrated 50 years together with family and friends at the VFW.

After retirement from the Navy Rick worked at Walmart, Sears and the Post Office in Sparta and La Crosse. Rick enjoyed helping and mentoring Boy Scouts over the years, going camping, hiking and fishing. He put together an assortment of recipes for a cookbook for the Scouts in Troop 7 to be used when they went camping and at home. No Hot Dogs and Hamburgers on Mr. Coffin's watch!! A favorite recipe of his was pineapple upside down cake in a dutch oven. Rick was very active in VFW Post 2112 and the Honor Guard. He helped out as often as possible and enjoyed visiting with any Veteran who came into the VFW and other places.  Rick enjoyed sports as a player, coach and officiant.

Rick leaves behind his wife, Laurie and sons, Christopher (Kelli) and family, Michael (Jennifer) and family; sister, Cathy Puls (Tom); brothers, Roger (Dana), David (Theresa) and Kelan; aunts, Virginia and Shirley; uncle, Robert; and many relatives and friends from all over. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and George and sister, Connie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, in Sparta. Military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 of Sparta and American Legion Post 0438 of Norwalk will follow at the VFW in Sparta.