Francis A. Coenen, 79, of Sheboygan, passed away Saturday evening, April 4, 2015 at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice surrounded by his loving family. Born June 22, 1935 in Two Rivers, WI, Francis was a son of the late Benedict and Gladys Panure Coenen. He attended Two Rivers area schools and graduated from Washington High School. He then went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. On February 8, 1958, he was united in marriage to Ruth M. Schleinz in Sheboygan. They were married for 54 years before Ruth preceded him in death on June 20, 2012. Francis worked as a carpenter in the Pottery Division of the Kohler Company for 31 years, retiring in 1998. Following his retirement, he worked at Pick N Save where he enjoyed socializing with customers at the check out line. He previously was a foreman at Hamilton's in Two Rivers. He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing and playing cards, especially sheepshead. He loved building and fixing things for friends and family. He is survived by his five children, Debra (David) Benzschawel of Sheboygan and their children, Kelly (Ray Gonzalez) Benzschawel, Louisville, KY, Jennifer (Chris) Kestell and their son, William, Waldo, Lisa Benzschawel, Sheboygan; Patricia Coenen of Sheboygan and her daughter, Sara Coenen and her son Donovan, both of Sheboygan; Michael (Cheryl) Coenen, Sheboygan and their daughter Brianna (Kyle) Pennell, Sheboygan; Ann (Michael) Schrank of Sheboygan; William (Shannon) Coenen, Sheboygan and their children Peyton and Chace Coenen of Sheboygan; his sisters, Doris (Don) Koch and Judi Bodwin, both of Two Rivers, and Sandra (Keith Libal) Coenen, Sarasota, FL; his brother, Dale Coenen, Mishicot, WI; his sisters-in-law, Elaine Coenen and Donna Coenen, both of Two Rivers, and Betty Stauber and Arlene (Mike) Klingeisen, both of Sheboygan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Besides his parents and wife, Ruth, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Benjamin Coenen and an infant daughter; his sister, Catherine Coenen; his brothers, Wesley (Winnie) Coenen, Emmett (Ruth) Coenen, Kenneth (Jean) Coenen and Raymond Coenen; his mother and father-in-law, Leona and Joseph Schleinz; his sister-in-law, Gail Coenen; and his brothers-in-law, Richard Hallada, William Bodwin and Fred Stauber. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at St. Clement Catholic Church, 522 New York Avenue, Sheboygan, with the Rev. Matthew Widder officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome at the church on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of mass. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in his name. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Waterford North in Plymouth and the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all of their loving care and support. The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Francis' arrangements.
