Obituary of Thomas William Coughlan, AFSC

 

It is with great sorrow, and some relief, that we announce the passing of our brother and friend, Bill Coughlan. On November 7, 2024, he crossed the finish line into his heavenly home! Bill was an extraordinary brother and friend.

Bill’s passion for life, church, family and friends resulted in a lifetime of commitment and a dynamic impact on so many people. Bill has been described as a teddy bear, and that’s why we love him so much. His family, his friends, and his church were the center of his life.

Bill grew up in Mankato, the oldest of eight children. His parents, Thomas P and Helen Moore Coughlan trusted Bill to be the guardian and guide to his younger siblings. They recognized his kind, gentle spirit.

Bill attended St. Mary’s College in Winona MN, where he entered the Christian Brothers. His vocation was realigned, eventually, to a role of service and commitment to our/his family’s business. In 2007 he was given the gift to be an Affiliated Christian Brother. His faith and the Lasallian mission guided his life.

Bill was drafted in 1966 and served in the US Army for two years.

Bill served in many capacities in his/our family’s business. Many people remember Bill as the face to the community. And he was good at it! He was active in a variety of organizations and was a generous volunteer. Bill was very supportive of childhood literacy. He worked with friend Laura Bowman to establish the “Books for Kids” partnership in Mankato. With Capstone Press, he donated many books to schools and families in Minnesota and beyond.

Bill regarded his role as brother, uncle, friend, and community member as pivotal to his and his family’s success.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ann and brother Daniel. He is survived by two sisters Joan (Jeff Berge) and Maryellen (Jay Seshadri) and three brothers John, Bob (Pava Cabaravdic), and Jim (Rachel), as well as several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews . Bill’s siblings and nieces and nephews are grateful to Sr. Mary Willette, SSND, his dedicated and loving friend, for her commitment to Bill’s care and comfort. Gratitude also to The Waters of Edina and Grace Hospice for their professional and committed care of Bill.

 

Celebration of Life for Bill - Tuesday, November 19th, 2024

Pax Christi Catholic Community, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

Visitation at 10 am - Celebration of Life Service at 11 am - Luncheon to follow

 

Ceremony of Christian Burial - Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 at 3:30 pm

Calvary Cemetery, 200 Goodyear Ave, Mankato, MN 56001

 

Memorials to the School Sisters of Notre Dame, the Christian Brothers, or Grace Hospice