Wayne Koerner

Wayne R. Koerner, age 70 of Cottage Grove passed away unexpectedly following a brief battle with cancer on December 10, 2017.

Memorial service will be 7:00 pm, Friday, December 15, 2017 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 -80th Street S. Cottage Grove with visitation starting at 4:00 pm until the time of service.  Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.

Wayne Raymond Koerner was born in Neenah, Wisconsin, November 8, 1947 to Raymond and Leonarda (Kieffer) Koerner.  He grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin where he graduated from High School in 1965.  He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where he pursued a degree in Civil Engineering.  While at college, he met the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Treiber and they were united in marriage on August 23, 1969 in Appleton.  Wayne completed his degree in 1971 and started his first job with the Army Corp of Engineers in Rock Island, Illinois.  They lived in Bettendorf, Iowa until moving to Cottage Grove in 1979 when he was transferred to St. Paul.  Wayne was an avid golfer, bowler, fisherman and enjoyed cooking.

While living in Iowa, he was active in the local Lions Club. After moving to Cottage Grove, he was very involved in the Cottage Grove Athletic Association where he served as the baseball association president and coached for many years. He was also involved with basketball as a coach, league commissioner and the association’s equipment manager.  He had the honor of coaching and mentoring his sons through the years.  Wayne and Peggy enjoyed numerous weekends at their camper at Pathfinder Village near Hinckley.  Wayne retired from the Corp in 2004 but continued to serve as a hydrologist with the Department of Natural Resources where he was currently working.

Wayne was a generous, giving person who was always ready to lend a hand to everyone at a moment’s notice.  He loved engaging with his grandchildren in whatever activity they were involved in.  Wayne loved football and was a dedicated Green Bay Packer Fan!

Wayne is survived by his wife of 48 years, Margaret “Peggy”; sons, Jeff, Pete (Kristin), Corey and Joe (Misty); grandchildren Kayla, Alec, Kassidy and “to be arriving soon” Kenzie; great-grandson Landon; sisters, Darlene (Tim) Sweeney, Vickie (Steve) Kimball and one brother Keith as well as several nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Karen.