Coenen, Gregory

Other Events:

• Obituary: 25 Jun 2008; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Gregory J. Coenen, of Glastonbury, CT, age 58, found peace with the Lord on June 23, 2008, after a courageous and spiritual journey with cancer. He was loving father of Tom Coenen and Tim (Ann) Coenen, and proud grandfather to Aaron Gregory Coenen (born May 7, 2008), all of Chicago. Greg was preceded in death by his wife Margaret "Peg" Coenen (nee Morrison) who died January 12, 2005. Greg loved Peg at first sight, and their love was at the center of his life for 33 years.
Greg is survived by parents: Clayton and LaVerne Coenen, Appleton, WI; brothers: Clifford and Paul Coenen, Appleton, WI; Dan Coenen, Athens, GA; Doug Coenen, Richboro, PA; sisters: Amy Coenen and Beth Strohbusch of Milwaukee, WI; and brother-in-law Michael Morrison, Minerva, OH. Greg is also survived by Marie Hersman, Dover, NH, whose love and wisdom helped make Greg's life complete during recent years.
Greg was born July 21, 1949, in Madison, WI, and lived in Appleton and Milwaukee, WI, Warwick, RI, and Glastonbury, CT. He was significantly shaped by his experience of and reflection upon all around him, including family and faith life, political and world affairs, business experiences, travel, and day-to-day living.
Greg was a Marquette University graduate. As editor of "New Day," a Model Cities newspaper, Greg had a knack for identifying and celebrating ordinary Milwaukeeans who made extraordinary contributions to city life. As manager of publications and information for the Milwaukee Department of City Development, he took pride in his roles in developing Summerfest, Grand Avenue and 'The Spirit of Milwaukee' multimedia production. After moving to New England, Greg played a significant part in creating New England USA, a regional tourism bureau, and Heritage Harbor, a planned state history museum for Rhode Island. He directed the New London (CT) Development Corporation, a planning and economic development agency, and also served as a consultant in planning the Milwaukee County Research Park and in developing Wisconsin State Fair Park as a year-round destination.
Greg recently wrote this: "There are three critical human values that should guide our every move. The first value is love which must guide all. The second value is respect which should be at the root of all we do. The third value is recognition of human dignity. We must always share the dignity that is especially ours. In cherishing and perfecting these values, we will make the world a better place for us all."
The family respectfully requests that memorials be made to the Gregory J. Coenen Family Foundation, a charitable trust founded in honor of Greg and Peg in care of Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 26, from 4 p.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral & Cremation Services 10121 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226 414-774-5010
Section C, Page 5

Gregory married Morrison, Margaret Abt 1972. Margaret was born 7 Sep 1949; died 12 Jan 2005. [Group Sheet]