Gerald "Jerry" Joseph Coughlin, 91
Gerald "Jerry" Joseph Coughlin, 91, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away Saturday July 6, 2024, at his home following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born November 14, 1932, in Montgomery, Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by his parents James Michael Coughlin, Sr. and Agnes Catherine Weiers Coughlin; his son Gregory Alan Coughlin and brother Donald (Donnie) Coughlin.
He is survived by his loving wife Jane Federer Coughlin; children Dan (Wendi) Coughlin of Santa Cruz, CA; Jeanie Coughlin of Minneapolis, MN; Kari (Larry) Heber of Canton, GA; and Tracie (Brian) Elrod of Auburn, AL; brothers Robert (Bob) Coughlin of Minneapolis, MN; James (Jim) Coughlin of Montgomery, MN; and Roger Coughlin of Faribault, MN. Jerry was blessed to have six grandchildren whom he adored, Madison Elrod (Jake) Sandlin; Savannah Elrod; Lawrence (LT) Heber; Elizabeth Heber; Antonia (Toni) Coughlin; and Robert Coughlin.
Jerry was a veteran of the United States Army serving in Korea from 1953-54 in the 3rd Infantry Division, Scout Dog Platoon, patrolling the DMZ with his scout dog “Big King”. He then served in Tokyo, Japan from 1954-55 in the 519th Military Police in the Accident Investigation Section. After the military he attended the University of Minnesota. He enjoyed a career in the manufacturing industry, beginning as an accountant and successfully retiring as President and CEO of a group of manufacturing companies.
Jerry was a gentleman with an even gentler spirit, a pondering and thoughtful mind, and an unwavering faith in Our Lord and Savior. As an Irishman, he was quick to listen and slow to speak, but a storyteller at heart with a dry sense of humor. He would share many fond and witty memories of life with children, grandchildren and the 40 years he and Jane shared together. Along with being a loving husband, son, brother, father and “Pops”, he was a man with many passions. Throughout his life and particularly in retirement, he and Jane shared hobbies of golf, exploring new places through travel, and photography. His love of golf was rewarded with two holes-in-one, which were often reminisced. He had a curious mind and was an avid reader of historical non-fiction and poetry. He enjoyed creating poems inspired by his own experiences and the people he loved.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, Opelika, Alabama at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Father Michael Farmer will be officiating. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing. Online condolences may be left at www.jeffcoattrant/obituary/Gerald-Coughlin.com.
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