Obituary
Kenneth D. “Kenny” Lash
Kenneth D. Lash, of La Crosse, WI, Passed away peacefully on October 07, 2025, at Emplify Health Comfort Care, with the assistance of Gundersen Hospice Program.
Kenny was born to Edward and
Jermaine Lash in Mindoro, WI. The family moved to La Crosse when Kenny was a young child. Kenny’s early years involved multiple stays at the Shriner’s Hospital due to having contracted polio as a young toddler. One fond memory he had from those stays was meeting Roy Rogers and receiving toy pistols from him. He was also proud of his Native American heritage and being part of the Stockbridge Munsee-Mohican Community.
Kenny attended Central High School and Western Technical College. Kenny was a talented machine mechanic and welder. Kenny married his wife Terry Knothe-Lash in 1979 at Roncalli Newman Center. They enjoyed 46 years together and appreciated time on their pontoon on the Mississippi River. Terry and Kenny enjoyed several cruises to Alaska to celebrate their wedding anniversaries. Kenny also enjoyed going up north and to Canada on fishing trips with friends.
Kenny is survived by his wife Terry, and two sisters, Collette Fagen and Rochelle Stieger and their children. He is further survived by his aunt and uncle, Betty Jane and Dick Hobelsberger, Brothers-in-law, John (Peggy) Knothe and Tom (Diane) Knothe, Three sisters-in-law, Joan Stein, Ann (Mike) Ritter and Theresa Knothe. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, brother, David Lash, father and mother-in-law, Jack and Eileen Knothe, brothers-in-law, Barry Fagen and Philip Knothe, and nephews Conor Stein and Michael Knothe.
As Kenny wished, there will be a private service for Terry and his two sisters.
Memorials may be directed to Gundersen Medical Foundation for palliative/comfort care at: http://gundersenhealth.org/generosity or send memorial donations to: Gundersen Medical Foundation, 1900 South Avenue, La Crosse, WI 54601. Please designate memorial donations ” Comfort Care”.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family at this time.
Terry again I’m sorry for your loss. You have years of memories with Ken. I remember you sharing a story about him getting up one morning and getting into his uniform. You said, “Kenny it’s Saturday. You’re off today. This memory is from Coulee.
Kennard as I called him, was a great guy and one of my favorite customers at Howie’s. May he rest in peace. ❤️
Dear Terry, you know how sorry I am for your loss of Kenny. We kept in touch often about his cancer. I prayed for his cure but it was not to be. Then I prayed for the end of his journey be short and God answered. Now I pray for your time of healing.the loss of your loved one. Cherish the memories of your happy times. Sincerely, Marilyn
Marilyn, your words mean so much to me. I will come see you soon. I really appreciate your prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss Terry. Kenny had a presence at Howie’s through the years. Soft spoken he was the voice of calm. He will be missed by all his friends!
Terry,
My deepest condolences to you. You must know that you and Kenny were blessed with such a beautiful relationship and marriage. Prayers for you both, may he rest in peace.
Love,
Theresa
Terry-
Kevin and I cannot express enough our heartfelt sadness for your loss of Kenny! He was a great man who was so fortunate to have an amazing wife and partner in you! We are glad he is no longer suffering. We will pray for your peace in your new life without him. I have no doubt he will be looking down in you! Hugs to you!!
Terry,
All of your Salmon/Doyle cousins have you in our hearts and prayers. Also, in our thoughts! So often we think of you during our days. We all love you and support you.
Love you, Terry! Steph, Missy, Mike, Dave, and Jane xoxo
So sorry to just hear the sad news about Kenny,he was such a guy and will be missed,had many a good time sitting on the corner at Howie’s talking with Kenny,rest in peace my friend🙏
Terry,
So sorry for your loss may Kenny rest in peace. Kenny was always a really nice guy, got to know him from Valeting his Subaru, he was always one of favorites so kind, always so nice to all of us despite not feeling well.
We all will miss him
Valet, Deb
Sorry for your loss. Kenny was a great guy, worked with him at Machine Products many years ago. RIP
Terry, I’m sorry I just saw this notice. I’m a bit shocked because we had numerous conversations lately while getting my parents to appointments. He seemed to be managing well. He was fun, smart, respected by all who knew him and I’m sorry he’s gone. Peace to you and your family!