Craig Allen Coates' Obituary
Craig Allen Coates of Oshkosh, 66, passed away Thursday, March 27, 2025. He was born in Berlin, WI on November 26, 1958 to the late Roger and Marylin (Phillip) Coates.
Despite being diagnosed in infancy with severe Cerebral Palsy, he overcame many obstacles and achieved great success. He was an active participant of United Cerebral Palsy. In 1989 he graduated with a Bachelors degree in Human Services. He ran an independent living class for 5 years, then worked at USbank for 26 years, until retirement.
Craig married Cynthia Paulick on May 19, 1984. They established a wonderful family with 6 children. Craig enjoyed the outdoors on hot days, watching the Green Bay Packers, and drinking his daily Pepsi. He could often be found cruising the neighborhood in his power wheelchair. Also, he was grateful for his annual camping (accessible cabin) trips at WI state parks. He was incredibly patient and persevering, and had an exceptional sense of humor.
Craig is survived by his wife: Cynthia Coates; siblings: Mitchell Coates (Heidi Witty), Dawn Coates (Tim Teske), Darren Coates; children: Scott Coates (Colleen Riordan), Kacie (Jeremy) Fell, Jesse Coates, David Coates, Sunshine Coates, Sophia Coates; grandchildren: Brooklyn Coates, Keyan, Karsen, and Charlie Fell; Mother in-law: Betty Paulick; siblings-in-law: Patrick (Susan) Paulick, Teri (Mark) Colletti, and Lisa (Jonathon) Salzsieder.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother Ruth Coates; father in-law David Paulick.
In lieu of flowers; gifts may be sent to Covey (formerly, United Cerebral Palsy) of OshKosh; or gifts will be used to establish a tree memorial.
A celebration of life will be at Fiss & Bills - Poklasny Funeral Homes,
865 S Westhaven Dr, Oshkosh, Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Visitation: 10AM - 12PM; Memorial Service - 12PM
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