Michael James Coonen, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026. He was born on May 6, 1954 to Dave and Nancy Coonen. Mike grew up in Menasha on 1st Street and was the oldest member of the notorious Coonen boys who gave their mother a run for her money. 

Mike graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1972 and was a very proud Zephyr. He studied at UW-Oshkosh to become a history teacher. He began his career teaching at GB Southwest High School and it was quickly discovered that Mike’s teaching methods were best suited for the football field. He spent the majority of his career with Mainline Industries, Applied Industrial Technologies and later EDT. 

Mike met his wife Becky at a park dance and later married in 1979. Becky was, in every sense possible, the love of Mike’s life. He loved going on adventures with her, whether it was down to Marco Island, FL, a big trip out of the country, or a frequent impromptu drive to Middle-Of-Nowhere, Wisconsin, to try out a new supper club. He was happy as long as she was by his side. 

He was a fervent sports fan. He never missed a Badger football or basketball game and could list every offensive lineman to ever play for the Packers. He preferred the Max McGee radio call to that of the television broadcast and always wanted to trade every great Packer player the minute they got good. He shared that passion through coaching. Whether it was Catholic Central or St. Joe’s basketball, Xavier High School freshman football or youth soccer, Mike had a nickname for every kid he coached and they’ll always remember that you never stop moving your feet. Even more than coaching he loved watching his kids compete. For the better part of 15 years he was one of the soccer dads who were known for their colorful commentary from the sidelines. You always knew when Big Mike was in the stands.

His kids were his pride and joy. He would brag about them and their accomplishments every chance he got. He taught his boys about accountability, integrity, honesty, work-ethic and commitment. He was an amazing father and that is reflected in the men, husbands and fathers his boys have become today. 

He loved his grandkids fiercely, and for the past 11 years they have been the light of his life. Each one was given a loving nickname by him. Rain or shine, he never missed a sporting event, concert, or school function. Whether he would have admitted it or not, they brought out a softness in him that many didn’t get to see.

He was an amazing cook who loved to share that talent with family and friends, but never the recipe. When asked what he put in his potato salad he would simply reply, “stuff,” or his chili, “red stuff.” He loved music, often quizzing his children about the band, album and year the song was released. He firmly claimed “Woman from Tokyo” by Deep Purple had the greatest scream in rock and roll history and that Queen was terrible live in concert. He was an avid reader with a deep interest in history. He loved to share random historical facts with those who would listen, which his kids would refer to as useless information, or remind them about the time they missed a block or got called for traveling 25 years ago. 

Ultimately Mike was selfless. He always put his family first and prioritized them before himself. Despite all Mike had endured later in his life he never complained. He never asked for much except to spend time with his family. They remained his deepest devotion until the day he passed. 

Mike was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brother, John, as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Joan Rausch. 

Mike is survived by his wife, Becky, his two boys Michael (Sally) and Dane (Maria), his grandchildren Charlie, Mac, Jackson, Caden and Teagan, his brother Paul, brother Pete (Jackie), and his sister Mary (Jeff) Linehan, sister-in-law Connie (Bill) Casey and brother-in-law Carl Rausch along with many nieces and nephews. 

We would like to thank his oncology team, especially Courtney Flom, the team at Thedacare Hospital Appleton especially Dr. Matthew Boese, Thedacare Hospice and Mandie for the loving care they showed all of us. 

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date.