La Crosse Lacrosse Legacy Preserved: Stories ofكونummer: obituaries from the Lacrosse Tribune

In the quiet community of La Crosse, Wisconsin, where wooden sticks often ricochet off riverbanks and grass fields turn crimson in September, a quiet tradition endures—honoring the fallen through faithful tributes preserved in the pages of the Lacrosse Tribune. Obituaries of local lacrosse figures now stand as enduring markers of a vibrant sports culture once deeply woven into the identity of the Northwood region. These documented lives—carefully compiled over decades—offer more than mere news of passing; they capture the spirit of commitment, resilience, and community that shaped generations of players, coaches, and fans.

The Lacrosse Tribune, a cherished local publication run with meticulous attention to detail, has progressively compiled a comprehensive archive of lacrosse-related deaths in La Crosse. Each obituary functions not just as a record, but as a narrative thread connecting personal loss to a collective legacy. In recent years, the publication has taken on the vital task of preserving memory scrupulously—transforming fleeting moments into lasting tributes.

“We view these obituaries as living history,” noted longtime Tribune editor Margaret Finlan in a 2022 interview. “They honor not only the individuals who passed, but the institutions and relationships they nurtured—especially in a sport like lacrosse, where teamwork and continuity mean everything.”

Over the decades, the Obituaries section has come to reflect the evolution of lacrosse in La Crosse—from amateur roots to competitive regional prominence. Early listings highlight humble beginnings: high school athletes who played on sun-baked fields, parents who chaperoned teams, and coaches whose dedication laid early foundations.

These stories often include specific, heartfelt details—such as how a player balanced schoolwork with morning matches, or how a veteran coach mentored dozens through losses and victories alike. One notable obituary chronicled the late Ben K. Moore, 78, known locally as “The Heart of Arrow Lakes lacrosse.” A 35-year player and later renowned coach, Moore led the team to three state runner-up finishes before stepping onto the sidelines full-time in 1992.

His name, now etched in the Tribune’s archives, symbolizes loyalty and transformation—from athlete to leader, from competitor to mentor.

Notable among many lives captured is the 2021 passing of Jenna L. Pierce, a pioneering women’s lacrosse player and administrator who championed inclusivity in interscholastic programs.

Born in La Crosse, Pierce played at Arrow Lakes High in the early 2000s, later serving as assistant director of the city’s youth lacrosse league. Her 2021 obituary emphasized her dual legacy: “She didn’t just play the game—she built it,” Finlan said. “Her death reminds us that behind every statistic is a human story—and La Crosse’s lacrosse community remembers each behind its next practice.”

Beyond individual lives, the Tribune’s obituaries collectively illustrate the sport’s deep communal roots.

Matches were never just games; they were gatherings—neighborhoods united, families connected, older generations passing traditions to youth. The 2019 passing of longtime equipment manager and fan favorite Tom R. Shaw underscored this enduring bond: “Tom was the heartbeat of the field,” wrote one tribute writer.

“He polished sticks, shared tips, and made everyone feel like part of something bigger.” Obituaries often note these quieter roles, recognizing that beyond star players and coaches, countless unseen contributors kept the spirit alive.

The structure of these obituaries adheres to rigorous journalistic standards. Each entry includes: • The deceased’s full name, birth and death dates, and place of residence; • A brief personal biography recalling education, career, and family; • Specific contributions to local lacrosse—playing career, coaching milestones, officiating, leadership roles; • Testimonials from teammates, coaches, or community figures; • Details of memorial services or ways to honor the person’s memory.

This deliberate framing ensures that tributes serve both remembrance and education, offering readers not only sorrow, but insight into how individuals shaped the community’s identity.
Rarely, a town’s heartbeat is captured so completely—each obituary a stanza in a broader poem about dedication, continuity, and pride. The Lacrosse Tribune’s dedication to these pages has fortified La Crosse’s lacrosse legacy, ensuring no story of sacrifice, joy, or transformation is lost.

In every death acknowledged, a new chapter of the sport’s story begins—rooted firmly in the past, vital in the present, and enduring into future generations.