Roger Gene Cooley, age 79, of Fennimore, WI passed away on Monday January 3, 2022, at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster, WI, due to complications from COVID-19. He was born January 22, 1942, at home in Bloomington, WI the son of William and Clara (McKinney) Cooley. Roger was united in marriage to Merry Brechler on June 18, 1982.
Roger graduated from West Grant High School in 1960. He was drafted into the Army in February of 1964 and was then stationed in Vietnam for six months. Roger was discharged in February of 1965 with a rank of SP4 E-4. He was employed at Ridge Motors in Prairie du Chien before going to work at Rayovac Corporation in Fennimore from 1978 until his retirement in May of 2006. There he made many friends and loved to reminisce about his years spent working there.
The family would like to thank the staff at Grant Regional Health Center for the care given to Roger in his final days. Your kindness and understanding will not be forgotten.
Roger is survived by his wife Merry of Fennimore, daughters: Belinda (Joshua) Lewis and Blair (James Dechow) Cooley both of Fennimore, grandchildren: Piper, Paxton, Phoenyx Lewis and Blaze Roger Cooley, sister Sandy (Luther) Mead of Cold Springs, TX, brothers-in-law: Terry (Ann) Brechler of Rockford, IL, Tom (Diane) Brechler of Northridge, CA, nephews: Randy, Mike, Jeff, Peter, Ryan and Thomas, nieces: Shelia, Kathy, Sue, Terri, Tegan, Pam, and Vanessa.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents William and Clara, father-in-law Hermie Brechler and mother-in-law Marilyn (McKichan) Brechler, brother Edward Cooley, sister Gail (Del) Irish, brothers-in-law: Jerry Brechler, Tim Brechler, niece Nyssa Irish and nephew Christopher Brechler.
Roger was a simple and private man but also loving. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He will be missed terribly by family and friends. His family will honor his wishes to have no formal funeral. Please understand that he would not have liked the attention or special treatment. Merry asks to honor him, take time to remember an act of kindness from Roger or reflect on a fond memory with him. She knows this would please him.
The Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore is assisting the family and cards of sympathy may be sent here at 925 10th St. Fennimore, WI 53809.