Arlan Cloutier

VISITATION

4-7 p.m., Sunday, December 14 at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls.

SERVICE

7 p.m., Sunday, December 14 at Central Lutheran Church, 28 E. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls.

Arlan R. "Coot" Cloutier, 70, of Chippewa Falls, died Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis after an 11 year fight with cancer.

He was born in Chippewa Falls to Beatrice I. (Poirier) and Edward W. Cloutier. He graduated from Chi-Hi in 1962.

Coot served in the US Navy, aboard the USS Enterprise from 1966 until 1970. After being honorably discharged from the military, Coot attended UWEC, graduating in 1973 with a degree in Broadfield Social Studies.

On August 7, 1971, he married Kathleen M. Zehm at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls. Coot taught school in Australia, where his son Edward was born, then in Wyoming, and South Dakota, where his daughter Tia was born, returning to Chippewa Falls in 1985.

While in Chippewa Falls, Coot worked at Cray Research, Hutchinson Technology, Melby St. Post Office Distribution and finally at Gordy's Hardware. He retired in 2006 on his 62nd birthday.

He was a faithful, devoted member of Central Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls, where he served in many capacities. He was also a lifetime member of the Chippewa Falls VFW, and was a long time mentor for the Chippewa Area Mentor Program, where he mentored three boys over the years, each of whom enhanced his life greatly. Most important to his life was his family. He was so happy to be a grandpa to Emmett. He will be dearly missed.

He enjoyed cheering on the Packers, Badgers and the Milwaukee Braves. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially "dirty clubs", golf, bowling, fishing (any kind and every season) and hunting. On opening day of deer hunting this year, he proudly shot a seven point buck!

Survivors include his wife, Kathy; son, Edward W. Cloutier II, both of Chippewa Falls; daughter, Tia (Eric) Andrews of Edina, MN; sister, Isla Cloutier of Eau Claire; grandson, Emmett Andrews "Grandpa's boy"; brothers & sisters-in-law, Gerry Ann (Tom) Janish, Mark (Brenda) Zehm, Tom (Kathy) Zehm all of Chippewa Falls, Sue (Eli) Pagan of IL, Lori (Herman) Meyers of MS, Tim (Monica) Zehm of Altoona; his mentees, Dalton, Skyler and Hunter; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rodney; nephew, Bill Cloutier; brother-in-law, Rick Zehm; and grandson, Joshua Andrews.

A celebration of his life will be held at 7 p.m., Sunday, December 14 at Central Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls with Rev. Aaron Sturgis officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner at a later date.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. Sunday at the church. The Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will pay their respects with a military procession just following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Chippewa Area Mentor Program are appreciated.

AFTERSERVICE

A celebration of life for Arlan R. "Coot" Cloutier, was held at 7 p.m., Sunday, December 14 at Central Lutheran Church, Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Aaron Sturgis officiated, music was provided by Christine Hitt and Nancy Hebert, Jim and Sue Block served communion. The eulogy was given by friend Dick Turner. Honorary casket bearers were Dick Turner, Doyle Richards, Keith Cloutier, J.D. and Jonathon Welke and Jody Janish. Interment will be at a later date at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.