With her family by her side, Keri Cushman Freng, 39, of Holmen, WI passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28^th after a 10 month battle with cancer. 

Keri was born on February 11^th, 1974 in La Crosse, WI.  She grew up and attended schools in Onalaska, WI.  Keri married her childrern’s father Matt Freng in April, 1999.  Keri had a long and successful career in the jewelry business and customers of Keri’s always returned for her engaging laughter and friendship as much as for her jewelry expertise.

It is an understatement to say that Keri enjoyed the company of family and friends. She lived for her time with “her boys” as she called her sons, Lucas and Bryce.  Keri loved motorcycling with her beloved partner, Mark and they spent many hours traveling and getting together with friends.  Keri also enjoyed camping with the boys, with Mark and with friends but what she enjoyed most was just hanging out with her boys, her sister, Mark and friends. But no matter where she went or what she did, she was making friends all the while.  Keri’s outgoing and charismatic personality drew everyone to her.  Keri’s handmade “Star Spangled Bandanas” were always in high demand and they are now treasured keepsakes to all who own them, keepsakes of Keri’s shining spirit.

Keri is survived by her beloved boys, Lucas and Bryce, her loving and devoted parents and sister, Peggy Cushman, John Cushman and Cortney Cushman, her beloved partner Mark Dean, step-mother Amy Cushman and Peggy’s significant other Howard Johnson, her aunts, Betty Norwalk, Sandy Steinbrecher, Kris Cushman,  her uncles David Cushman, James Steinbrecher, Fritz Hutchens Jim Hutchens the late Jerry Hutchens and  special godson, Alex Paradise and many cousins, nieces, nephews and step siblings.

An accounting of Keri’s life would not be complete without special mention of her friends.  Keri had many, many good friends but Keri had good friends because she was a good friend.  It would be impossible to name all of the people who Keri called friend, but it started with Kristin, Kory, Sarah, Erin and Heather and along with her sister Cortney, they have been with her from childhood and close in her heart through everything.  Keri loved all of her friends and her time with them meant the world to her.

Keri was preceded in death by her grandparents, Royce and Shirley Cushman and Homer and Rachel Hutchens.

A special thank  you to all of Keri’s friends and family who all volunteered for and put in countless hours  toward Keri’s care and her cancer benefit.  The November 2^nd Keri Cushman Freng Cancer Benefit was amazing and the outpouring of love and friendship for Keri was evident throughout the day.

A memorial for Keri will be held on Saturday, November 16^th at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church on Main Street in Onalaska.  The Rev. Jason Stanton will officiate. A visitation with family will be held 2 hours prior to the service at the church and a luncheon will be served after the memorial service. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

You didn’t fight alone, Keri, but now your fight is over.