THE CITY REBORN FROM THE ASHES OF AMERICA'S MOST DISASTROUS FOREST FIRE
Richard A. Gendron
Issue Date: January 13, 2022
Richard A. Gendron, 72, of Coleman passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, January 9, 2022 after a twenty five year battle with Parkinson's.
He was born to the late Allan and Marion (Comte) Gendron July 16, 1949 in Marinette. He graduated from Coleman High School in 1967. Richard married Karen Pelner November 18, 1972 at the current St. Anne Catholic Church of Coleman.
Richard was an active member of the National Guard from 1967 ?? 1972, among other duties, protecting and serving against the riots in Gresham. He was an active fireman with the Coleman Fire Department until he was unable, due to Parkinson's.
Richard and Karen own Gendron's Inc. of Coleman, WI, serving the community since 1915. Richard is a John Deere enthusiast, owning multiple antique tractors and providing wisdom to the community to answer questions regarding John Deere tractors. He loved to work all week and go camping on the weekends at J.W. Wells State Park in Michigan and Pine Aire campground in Eagle River with family. If he wasn't working or camping, he was bebopping around town in his jeep and antique tractors. Richard attended New Life Church in Crivitz.
Surviving are his wife of 49 years Karen; one daughter, Courtney Gendron; two sons, Jeff (fiancé Michelle) Gendron and Bradley (Joshua Kluenker) Gendron; 4 grandchildren, Katelyn and Kendra Kuffel and Zander and Jasper Gendron-Kluenker; 2 step-grandchildren, Heidi and Tyler; one step-great-grandchild, Novalyn; 3 sisters, Mary Ann Fox, Cathy Rysewyk and Julie Zeitler and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers-in-law, Art Fox, Bob Rysewyk and Karl Zeitler.
The family will greet relatives and friends Saturday, January 15, 2022 at New Life Church, Crivitz from 10 am until the time of the Celebration of Life at 2 pm with Pastor Andy and Irene Bauer officiating. Military Honors will be given at the Church by the Coleman American Legion. Richard will be placed to rest at St. John Catholic Cemetery, Coleman. Please visit RhodesCharapata.com to express online condolences. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Red Horse Parkinson's Alliance, N427 River Drive, Menominee, MI 49858. Rhodes Charapata Funeral Home of Coleman is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Shelly, Darlene, Lois and Crystal for their compassionate care.