William J Cowan , June 02, 1931 — May 15, 2019

William John Cowan, age 87 of Mauston, WI died on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse. Bill was the son of Edward J. and Agnes M. (Schwedersky) Cowan, and was born on June 2, 1931 in Mauston, WI. Bill graduated from Mauston High School in 1949, and then enlisted in the United States Army.

He served his country from March 20, 1953 to March 10, 1955. Bill served during the Korean War and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. After serving in the Army, Bill was united in marriage to Geneieve Krueger on September 8, 1956, in Mauston, WI.

After their marriage, Bill and Geneieve moved to Illinois for a year and then back to Mauston. Bill worked at the VA Hospital in Tomah and later worked as a custodian at the Juneau County Courthouse in Mauston for 26 years, retiring in 1993. Bill and Genny spent many hours working in their gardens and yard.

He loved to play cards, horseshoes, doing jigsaw puzzles, and taking casino trips on the bus with his wife. He loved camping with his family and spending time with his grandchildren. Bill is survived by his wife, Geneieve of Mauston, children, William John (Joan) Cowan of Eau Claire, Cindy Lorene (Jason) Jerome of West Salem, Gary Allen (Nancy) Cowan of New Lisbon, a brother, James Cowan of Kenosha, sister, Mary Bertschinger of East Troy, grandchildren Scott Pellegrin, Stacie Cowan, Andrew Cowan, Brandon (Kaytlyn) Beilke, Ciana Beilke, Kinsey Smith, Jacob (Jessica) Smith, Chance Smith, Mallory Cowan, Garrison Cowan, and great grandchildren Makenzie Caldwell, Tori Cowan, Khloe Cowan, and Ruby Smith.

Further survived by many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Francis Cowan and Edward Cowan Jr., and a baby sister Estella Geraldine. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 11:00am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church (408 W. River St.) in New Lisbon.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church from 9:00am until the time of service. Fr. Robert Letona presiding.

The Hare Funeral Home in New Lisbon is assisting the family with services. Online guestbook available at www.

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