2026 July 29th: Ken Fletcher

Kenneth William Fletcher, 93, of Onalaska, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at his home.  Kenneth William Fletcher was born and raised in the small town of Massena, IA on May 23, 1933; son of Furness and Frances (Brown) Fletcher and brother to Leland Fletcher and Patricia Fletcher. Kenneth graduated from Massena High School and attended Drake University, graduating with a BS in Pharmacy in June of 1954. After graduation, Ken married Shirley Fletcher, who were happily wed for 72 years. They had six children – three boys, three girls; Dennis Fletcher and his wife, Diane (Bean) Fletcher, Janet (Fletcher) Richardson and her husband Richard, Michael Fletcher and his late wife, Tamara (Hough) Fletcher, Sandra (Fletcher) Berman, Diane (Fletcher) Klos and her husband, Geoffrey and Leland Fletcher and his wife, Jill (Bassuener) Fletcher, 19 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Furness and Frances Fletcher; brother, Leland Fletcher; sister, Patricia Fletcher ; son, Dennis Fletcher and daughter-in-law, Tamara Fletcher.

Upon graduating from Drake University, Ken was first hired as a Pharmacist for an independent drug store in West Liberty, IA, before joining Osco Drug in 1956. His career flourished for the next 35 years, with moves to Marshalltown, IA, Green Bay, WI, Chicago, IL, Iowa City, IA and Oshkosh, WI. One more move in 1971 led Kenneth and his family to his final home base of Onalaska, WI, managing the La Crosse Osco Drug store for 20 more years until he was 58 years old, retiring in 1991.

Ken’s deep love for his family showed up in everything he did, working long hours to provide a supportive and loving home life, turning the Fletcher family’s house into a home that encouraged enormous amounts of fun; open and welcoming to all who walked inside its doors. He loved hunting, fishing and golfing, spending many years as a member of La Crosse Country Club and Stonybrook Golf Club in Sarasota. He is a perfect example of the Greatest Generation coming of age during the Depression, living through life-changing world events; a generation who gave so much and asked for so little, with a great deal of patriotism, commitment, loyalty to work and family and motivation to work hard to succeed.

An avid traveler, Ken and Shirley took their large family on many trips throughout the United States including summer camping and RV treks out west to the mountains, visiting several National Parks and historical sites, along with taking spring breaks to the gulf coast of Florida. After retiring, Ken and Shirley continued to explore the world visiting Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Panama, several islands and spent many winters with their friends in Sarasota, FL and the rest of the year in Onalaska with fall trips to Colorado.

His family described him as calm, wise, sweet, funny, smart, adventurous, loyal and kind. A sage leader. A loyal husband. A loving father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be forever loved and missed.

In remembrance, donations to Gundersen Hospice Care, North Presbyterian Church, or Onalaska United Methodist Church are appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, August 16th at 1:00 p.m. at North Presbyterian Church, 1327 North Salem Rd, La Crosse.  Pastor Scott Skogen will officiate.  A Celebration of Life will follow at The Freight House on the back dock, 107 Vine Street, La Crosse from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.  The Dickinson Family Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com.