Jerry Petitgoue, a legendary high school basketball coach in Wisconsin, is survived by his wife, Joan Petitgoue, and their three children, Michele, Mark, and Ryan.
Petitgoue coached for 52 years, becoming the winningest high school boys basketball coach in the state’s history.
His leadership helped Cuba City secure multiple state championships.
Petitgoue retired after the 2022-23 season at age 82, receiving a standing ovation during his final game in the WIAA Regional Final.
However, he continued to contribute to basketball as Executive Director of the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association.
Additionally, Petitgoue was inducted into multiple Hall of Fame organizations, recognizing his incredible contributions to basketball.
In 2003 and 2013, he was honored by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Hall of Fame and the University of Dubuque Athletic Hall of Fame, respectively.
Incredibly sad news to report today as my friend and the winningest basketball coach in state history and longtime WBCA Executive Director Jerry Petitgoue has died. He is a legend in high school athletics in Wisconsin and will be incredibly missed. #wisbb pic.twitter.com/fzG4Pg7xEy
— Travis Wilson (@travisWSN) June 8, 2025
Tragically, Jerry Petitgoue passed away at the age of 84, marking the end of an incredible coaching legacy.
Jerry Petitgoue And His Beloved Wife, Joan, Were Together For Many Decades!
Jerry Petitgoue was married to Joan Petitgoue, and together they had three children: Michele, Mark, and Ryan.
Ryan Petitgoue followed in his father’s footsteps and became an assistant coach at Cuba City High School.
He was also a former player at the school, continuing the family’s deep connection to Cuba City basketball. Unlike Ryan, his two siblings have kept a lower profile.
Moreover, Jerry and Joan also cherished their six grandchildren, who were an important part of their lives.
As for Joan’s profession, she has been deeply involved in basketball administration.
She served as an Executive Board Member of the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) for over 20 years and worked as the Executive Secretary.
Her contributions included organizing Hall of Fame banquets, All-Star events, and awards, as well as handling administrative duties like payroll and membership coordination.
Joan played a significant role in supporting Jerry’s coaching career while making her own mark in the basketball community.
His family was deeply involved in his coaching journey, often supporting him at games and events.
Recently, Jerry Petitgoue’s family, including his wife and their children, is mourning his loss.
His passing has deeply affected not only his loved ones but also the Cuba City community and the Wisconsin basketball world.
Many recognized him as Wisconsin’s winningest high school basketball coach, celebrating his 52-year coaching career.
His legacy lives on through the countless players, coaches, and members of the basketball community.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jerry Petitgoue’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Petitgoue earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Dubuque in 1963.
- He began his coaching journey at Gratiot High School before moving on to Lena-Winslow High School and Galena High School.
