Obituary
David Arlo English
David Arlo English, 78, of Onalaska passed away Thursday August 26, 2021 at his home with his family. He was born September 28, 1942, in Minneapolis to Arlo and Josephine (Voit) English. On June 20, 1964, he married JoAnn Goldman. David was a 1960 graduate from Albert Lea High School. In 1964, he received a BA in mathematics from St. Mary’s University. He later received a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. In 1964, David was hired at Aquinas High School as a math teacher and wrestling coach. He served as a wrestling coach for 15 years. He continued to serve as a teacher until his retirement in 2000. In 1979, David was recognized for his outstanding coaching career. Under David’s direction, Aquinas won 2 consecutive WISAA State Championships, 5 Conference Championships and 7 city titles. In 2011 he was granted the St. Francis Staff Award for having a significant impact on the students of Aquinas High School.
David also worked part-time for the Onalaska Parks and Recreation Department as a member of the grounds crew and youth baseball staff. His service to the Onalaska Parks Department continued after his retirement from Aquinas until June of 2021. He enjoyed many passions including hunting, fishing, bird watching, Twins, Vikings, and Loggers games, and especially events his grandchildren participated in.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, JoAnn; his children, Michael (Patricia) of Elko, MN, Steven of St. Paul MN., Bruce (Amy) of Lakeville, MN; and Todd (Amy) of LaCrosse, nine grandchildren, one brother, Dennis (Nancy) English of Prior Lake, MN; five sisters, Kathleen English of North Port, FL, Carol Haroldson of Albert Lea, Deanna (Larry) Ille of Albert Lea, Maureen (Mike) Buhl of Fountain Hills, AZ, Patricia (Roger) Rynerson of Albert Lea; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Judy and Jerry Qualley, Bob and Pat Goldman, Suzie and Paul Close; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alvin and Florence Goldman; and his brothers-in-law Lyle Foley and Darwin Haroldson.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday SEPT. 2 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Onalaska, 1031 Main St. Onalaska. Father Steven Kachel will preside. Burial will be held at the Onalaska City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7PM Wednesday at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St, Onalaska and day of the funeral at 9:30AM at the church.
The family has designated Aquinas High School and the Onalaska Park & Recreation for memorials.
Condolences go out to the family from a former neighborhood member. There was always a friendly waive and a bit of a smile upon seeing Dave. RIP
My condolences to Mike, a former classmate, and the entire English family. I was sort of afraid of Mr. English in high school Geometry class. He always seemed so serious. Later, after high school, I realized what I was seeing was dedication and passion. ?Thank you, Mr. English.
May you rest in peace.
Mr English!!!!!
Over 35 years ago you showed me what a great teacher looks like~you guided me to be the teacher I am today. You were a FORCE to be reckoned with and what a role model you were!!!!!!
To this day I display the geometry quiz you framed for me! It hangs in my classroom.
Cannot ask for a better life lived than to be a role model and remembered. You’ve got both of those covered sir.
Your amazing sons will continue to carry on your family name with honor and dignity, as you taught them, and all of us AQUINAS grads.
Rest In Peace Mr English, Rest In Peace.
Coach English….
Your seriousness, wisdom and caring heart has stayed with me from day 1!!
Rest in peace
So sorry for your families loss Todd & Amy! Prayers of comfort and healing. God Bless all of you during this time of sorrow and Always and CHERISH& TREASURE those memories that are FOREVER IN YOUR HEART! Hugs sent your families way!??????
Family of David English
We are so sorry to have learned about your loss. It was truly a pleasure to have gotten to know Dave. He hunted on our property for several years. Our son in law, Jason, also an avid hunter, enjoyed sharing stories with Dave about their many adventures. God bless you and rest in peace dear friend.
Loging Family Farm, Ken Loging and Jason Wendler
My family has been so fortunate to have three of the four English boys in our lives.
Steve has been a great friend, teacher to my children, coworker and mentor for my teaching career and marathon coach for my husband and I.
Mike has been an awesome teacher to my children as well as his wife, Patty.
Bruce and Amy have been neighbors and friends for many years.
I never had the pleasure of meeting David, but I can only imagine what a wonderful man he was to raise 4 caring, loyal, amazing men.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
The Boches
Kelly and I would like to send our deepest sympathies. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to Joan and the family. Dave and I were classmates in the class of 1960 and teammates on the wrestling team. He was a good student, a hard worker, fun loving with high standards of personal ethics. I was lucky to count him as a friend while growing up.
You are all nestled gently in my thoughts and prayers.