(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Bryan J. Coats, 56, of Kenosha, died at his home on April 30, 2017.
Bryan was born on September 19, 1960 to Donald E. “Don” Coats and Margaret Madexa-Coats at Victory Memorial Hospital in Waukegan IL. He was educated in the schools of Waukegan, IL and Zion, IL and graduated from Zion-Benton Township High School in 1978.
On June 4, 1994, Bryan married Joanne I. Fredrickson in Waukegan IL. The marriage ultimately ended in divorce on February 28, 2011, 16 years later. Fortunately, the union produced one son Zach Coats, whom Bryan had immense pride for.
After high school, Bryan worked as a buffer at Cherry Electric from 1979 to 2007 and later worked as a meat packer at Roundy’s Commissary since 2008. His co-workers hailed him as a hard and dependable worker, while everyone else knew Bryan as a kind and gentle man who loved to have a hearty laugh-either at himself or at family members and friends. Bryan also had a keen interest in history and always made sure to keep track of current happenings.
As an Illinois native, Bryan rooted for Chicago teams and lived to see the Cubs win the World Series in 2016. Bryan’s other hobbies included attending local events as well as spending time with family, bowling, and entertaining family members during the annual camping trip to Rhinelander, WI with his unique dancing style. While Bryan was a dog lover, he let his son adopt a cat in 2003, and tolerated it for many years.
Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, and survivors include his only child Zachary “Zach” Coats of Kenosha, a brother Barry Coats of Springfield MO, a sister Bonnie (Mark) Talbott of Sedalia MO, his ex-wife Joanne Fredrickson, Gulliver the Ginger Cat and numerous other family members and friends.
A Memorial service for Bryan will be held on Saturday May 20, 2017 at 1:00PM at Kemper Center Founder’s Hall (6501 3rd Avenue, Kenosha WI 53143). Visitation will be held on May 20 in Founders Hall from 11:30 AM until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated.
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
April Damaska says:
Joann, so very sorry for your and Zach’s loss. May he rest in peace. Remember the goid times always. They live in our memories.
John Coats says:
For Zach especially, but also Barry, Bonnie, and Joanne,
I am so sorry for your loss of Bryan! May the Lord be close to you through this difficult time. I enjoyed getting to meet you Zach several years ago in Kenosha at the football practice, and again last year at Dan Whitaker’s house. Bryan seemed to be very proud of you.
I wish I could be there for the funeral but Cambodia is a very long ways away, and my wife is ill.
John Coats, your cousin and son of Robert Coats.
Larry Stoner says:
Zach, So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I always enjoyed talking with your father at the Family gatherings. He was a good man. Be proud to be his son. He will live on in you.
Sandra Simons says:
Worked with Bryan at Cherry Electric. He was a very hard worker and wa’s a very funny guy. He was a pleasier to work with. My condolences to the family and may you RIP
Marti Korpi says:
Condolences to Bryan’s friends and family! Bryan was also very nice and friendly. He was in the class of 78 at ZBTHS, one year younger than myself. I remember running into you two at the Kemper Oktoberfest last year. We”d always stop and chat when we saw each other. In high school, whenever he was happy about something, he’d exclaim, OH GOODY! That made everyone around us laugh. RIP Bryan, one of the good guys for sure!
Robin Ynes says:
Condolences to family and loved ones. Fond memories of Bryan from the High School days. He had an infectious smile and was full of positive energy. He seemed to bring joy to the room with his presence. This is a great loss for all who had the honor of knowing him in High School or elsewhere in life. Blessings to his family and the ZBTHS class of ’78.
Marianne Heinen-Greenwald says:
Joann, so sorry for your’s and Zach’s loss. You are both in my prayers.
Sommerfeldt says:
Godbless Freddie !
May your lives be filled with all the love and peace the universe has to offer.
Lifetime amigo,
Jeff
Anthony and Ellen Mackie says:
We were deeply saddened to hear of Bryan death. Bryan had a big heart and would give you the shirt off his back if you asked. We will miss him dearly.
Tony and Ellen Mackie