Oak Grove Cemetery is a historic site established in 1852 by the original town founders of La Crosse, WI. This core part of the community offers walking tours that take visitors through the cemetery’s historic sites, allowing them to appreciate La Crosse’s fascinating history. Below is an introduction to the Trane/Hood Memorial, one of the cemetery’s most noteworthy sights.

Guide to the Trane/Hood Memorial

Why It’s Significant

The Trane/Hood Memorial is the crypt and final resting place for the Trane and Hood families. These families are responsible for a significant portion of La Crosse’s manufacturing economy. The crypt memorial is made of gray granite and is located along the northern edge of the cemetery, just west of East Avenue. 

Who They Were

The history of the Trane and Hood families in La Crosse began in 1864, when a seven-year-old Norwegian immigrant named James Trane moved to the area with his family. He later established a plumbing, heating and gas fitting business on Pearl Street. James Trane was known for his innovative plumbing inventions, such as the Trane Vapor Heating System, a low-pressure heating system. His son Reuben was born in 1885. A mechanical innovator like his father, Reuben earned a college degree in mechanical engineering.

Together, they founded the Trane Company in 1913. Reuben invented the convector radiator in 1923, which was a notable invention that secured the success of the company. During World War II, the Trane Company secured a defense contract. They later became a major supplier of HVAC systems across the world. Rueben married Helen Hood in 1912. Her family – her brother Frank and his son Wayne – contributed to the family business as well. To this day, Trane remains a global leader in heating and cooling.

In addition to the Trane/Hood Memorial, Oak Grove Cemetery has a variety of other historic grave sites that are worth visiting. The cemetery’s park-like atmosphere makes it a welcoming location for serene strolls; you can take the self-guided walking tour at your own pace. They also have cemetery plots available for loved ones. Contact the cemetery online or call (608) 782-6956 for more information.