FITCHBURG - Dennis Charles Koerner, 72, of Fitchburg, Wis., passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease.

Dennis was born on September 28, 1952, to Donald and Rosemary (Schultz) Koerner in Hampshire, Ill. A standout athlete at Hampshire High School, he went on to study education and play football at Illinois State University. He went on later to get his master’s degree from Northern Illinois University.

On August 3, 1974, Dennis married his longtime sweetheart, Kay (Bicknese) Koerner, and together they had one daughter, Lora.

Following his passion for athletics and education, Dennis pursued a career as a physical education and driver’s education teacher. He began his teaching career at St. Edward High School in Elgin, Ill., before moving on to Crystal Lake High School in Crystal Lake, Ill. In addition to teaching, he was a dedicated coach, leading teams in football, basketball, and track and field.

Coaching and teaching were Dennis's true passions. Over the years, he dedicated countless hours to developing students and athletes-not just improving their driving skills, fitness, or athleticism, but also instilling character and integrity by leading through example. As one former player put it, "He was a great coach and an even better man." This same dedication extended to his family, where Dennis's daughter, Lora, was an avid athlete herself. He was always there-on the sidelines or in the bleachers-cheering her on as one of her biggest fans. She feels incredibly lucky to have had a dad who was always present, always supportive, and willing to do anything for her at a moment's notice.

Through their teaching positions, Dennis and Kay both secured friendships with so many amazing people who remain true friends to the end. Good times were shared at Green Lake, Wis., where Dennis’s parents owned a house and pontoon boat, while others were shared around a pizza after a Friday night football game. All through his life, Dennis was surrounded by laughter and love and the very best of friends.

Dennis and Kay also shared a love for live music, attending countless concerts throughout their college years and beyond-passing that passion down to Lora. A true Parrothead, Dennis loved the tradition of tailgating at Jimmy Buffett concerts at Alpine Valley, often bringing friends along for the ride. Right in the middle of the fun, you'd find him in a grass skirt, grilling up cheeseburgers in paradise.

In 2007, Dennis and Kay retired from teaching and began a new chapter when they moved to Lake Carroll, Ill. There, they spent time enjoying the outdoors, boating and golfing, and Dennis became an active member of the Lake Carroll Fishing Club. In their new community, they met a wonderful group of friends who became a close circle who supported each other through the ins and outs of life.

Throughout his retirement years, Dennis placed great importance on spending time with his two grandchildren. Whether it was taking them to a UW Badgers football game, making the drive from Madison to Lake Carroll for a weekend of fishing, boating and golf cart rides, or setting up the model train in the basement after visiting a train show, Dennis was always all in.

With Dennis, you always knew what you were getting: a man of integrity, through and through. He wasn’t flashy, or boisterous, or attention-seeking. He was fun to be around without having to force it - the kind of good-hearted person that can’t help but attract other good-hearted people. Though his life had its share of adventures, he was as happy watching Seinfeld reruns as he was relaxing on a beach (and both made him very happy). Dennis will always be remembered as someone that thought before speaking, and didn’t mind not speaking at all if he didn’t have something to say. He was a man of quiet determination, a man of strong character, and a man of deep generosity. His legacy of generosity and kindness will live on, reminding us that these gifts are meant to be shared abundantly with those around us. While we wish we had more good years with him-years that kidney disease took too soon-we are deeply grateful for the time we did have. As the great Jimmy Buffett said, "Some of it’s magic and some of it's tragic, but I had a good life all the way."

Dennis was predeceased by his father, Donald Koerner; and mother, Rosemary (Schultz) Koerner. He is survived by his loving wife, Kay Koerner; daughter, Lora (John) Kuehl; two grandchildren, Finley Kuehl and Rowan Kuehl of Oregon, Wis.; sister, Donna Jo (David) Eberly of Hampshire, Ill.; brother-in-law, Kim (Michele) Bicknese of Genoa, Ill.; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and a treasured circle of friends who became as dear to him as family.

A celebration of life, open house will be held at GUARDIAN ANGEL BASSET RESCUE, 138 Washington Ave., Hampshire, Ill., from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent directly to the family, to be dispersed equally between the Hampshire Athletic Booster Club and the Crystal Lake Central Athletic Booster Club.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002

Dennis C. Koerner

September 28, 1952 - April 22, 2025

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