Final Salute

Nov. 7, 1941-Jan. 27, 2026

John Coughlin, a man of remarkable ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, passed away peacefully on Jan. 27, 2026, at the age of 84. A fixture of the Marion community for decades and a craftsman at heart, John leaves behind a legacy of hard work, and a family that adored him and sons that looked up to him. A memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion, Iowa, with visitation one hour prior. Livestreaming will be available beginning at 10:30 a.m. at https://youtube.com/live/cOwDBvOtRCQ?feature=share. Burial will be at a later date in Rock Island, Ill.

John’s story began in his beloved Marshalltown, Iowa, where he spent his youth forming the interests and skills that would define his life. It was there that he first learned the value of a job well done, assisting his father, Bill, in building their family home. This early experience in construction, combined with working on cars and spending time at the local movie theater, laid the foundation for his future.

A Navy veteran, he served his country in the Seabees with honor, until his discharge in 1963. It was during his time in the construction battalions that John learned the trade of plumbing, adding another layer to the mechanical and building skills that would serve him for the rest of his life.

In 1964, John opened his first business in the Marion Skelly Station, where he also operated Rent Em and Run Em, where he rented 50cc motorcycles. In 1965, he moved to a new location in Marion and renamed his business to Marion Radiator and Air Conditioning. Never one to sit still, he expanded into selling Cub Cadet lawn and garden tractors. He was a successful and moral businessman, savvy investor and money manager with a quick wit and good Irish sense of humor. For over 35 years, John operated his shop until 2000, when he retired and went west to reside in Arizona and Colorado.

Upon retirement, John and Kaye traded Midwest winters for the sun of Surprise, Ariz., and the breathtaking peaks of Pagosa Springs, Colo. In Pagosa Springs, John achieved a final, crowning milestone: designing and building the house of his dreams. Utilizing the skills he began honing decades earlier in the Navy and working side by side with his son Mark, John turned his vision into reality.

John lived life with an infectious curiosity and a wide-ranging set of interests that he pursued with total dedication. He could be found on any given Sunday surrounded by friends and family preparing elaborate meals. He was an avid motorcyclist and loved the freedom of boating, camping, and snow skiing. His sense of adventure took him across the globe as he and Kaye traveled extensively, specifically spending winters in Puerto Vallarta for decades.

At home, John was a craftsman of a different sort — he found great joy in brewing his own award-winning beer and making wine. A lifelong learner, he was deeply moved by reading, music and film, constantly seeking out new stories and sounds. These passions were not just hobbies; they were gifts he passed on in varying degrees to his sons, David and Mark, ensuring his spirit lives on in their own adventures.

John is survived by his wife, Kaye Coughlin; his sons, David Coughlin (Kristin Hutson) and Mark Coughlin; his grandchildren, (David’s children) Claire and Daniel; and his sister, Joan Studts. He is also survived by his beloved nephews and niece: Jamie, Joey and Janna; brother-in-law, Timothy Trumpp (Susan Morrison); cousin, Jill Asbury (Craig Bahr) and their boys, Michael, Steven and Jack.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mildred Coughlin.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Cottage Grove Place and Saint Croix Hospice for the compassionate care and dignity they provided John during the final chapter of his life. We can’t thank them enough.

John will be remembered as a man who embodied the American Dream — he built it, one radiator, one tractor and one dream home at a time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s memory may be directed to St. John of the Cross Catholic Worker House in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Please share a memory of John at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.