Obituary
Loren James Kannenberg
Loren James Kannenberg, 79, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, with his wife, Karri, by his side.
Loren was born on May 23, 1947, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to John and Ella Rose (Parent) Kannenberg. He grew up in a family deeply connected to public service; his father, John, served as mayor of Wausau for 24 years. Loren carried that same commitment to his community throughout his life.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a master’s degree in educational administration from Winona State University. His professional life reflected his passion for education, public service, and the people of western Wisconsin. Loren spent more than two decades in education, teaching for 10 years before serving for 11 years as principal of St. Patrick School in Onalaska.
In 1997, Loren began a 22-year career with U.S. Representative Ron Kind, serving as District Chief of Staff and District Director until 2019. He oversaw the congressman’s district offices in La Crosse and Eau Claire and remained deeply engaged in the people and issues of the region he called home. He also gave his time generously through service on numerous community boards, involvement with the La Crosse Democratic Party, and participation in the La Crosse Chamber Chorale.
He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, faithfully cheering on the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and Badgers. He loved golf and treasured the camaraderie of his friends and the many rounds shared at Walsh’s golf course. He had an army of friends and seemed to know someone everywhere he went, whether it was a “Hello, Mr. K!”, “Coach K,” “Big K,” or “Mr. Kannenberg.”
One of Loren’s greatest joys was running into former St. Patrick’s students and hearing about their lives. Those encounters brought him immense pride and joy, and those who were fortunate enough to witness them could see his face light up as he caught up with people he had once taught and guided.
And then there was the Bodega Brew Pub. If you wanted to find Loren, chances were good you could head there, where you might find him enjoying a pilsner, sharing a story, talking politics or giving advice to the bartender.
Loren also cherished time spent with the Kannenberg family on Skunk Lake. Some of his happiest memories were made there surrounded by family, fishing, relaxing on the water, and famously deep frying a turkey every summer. Skunk Lake is also where he continued to water ski well into his later years, skiing until he was 70 years old.
Yet, Loren’s greatest pride was his family. He was a devoted husband to Karri and took enormous pride in his children and grandchildren. He never tired of bragging about them, sharing their accomplishments and his love for them was unmistakable.
Loren is survived by his wife, Karri Kline; his children, Brian Kannenberg (Betsy), Briana Spicer (Carl), Travis Flak, and Adrian Flak (Amber); his grandchildren, Chase and Olivia Kannenberg and Wallace Klubertanz; and his brother, Tony Kannenberg.
Loren leaves behind a lifetime of service, friendship, laughter, stories, and memories. He will be remembered by former students, colleagues, community members, friends, and family as someone who cared deeply about people and made the communities around him richer simply by being part of them.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful doctors, nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, therapists, and staff at Emplify Health, Onalaska Care Center, and St. Croix Hospice. Their guidance, compassion, and care provided comfort and support to Loren and his family throughout his final chapter, and their kindness will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family during this difficult time.
I met and got to know Loren through the Kind for Congress campaign, and we chatted a few times at the Bodega. He was always so friendly and kind. My deepest condolences. You will be missed greatly, Loren.