Kenneth J. Coughlin

Kenneth J. Coughlin, 99, passed away on January 20, 2021. Born on June 24, 1921 in Rutland, Illinois, he was son to peter and Elizabeth (Krewer) Coughlin. He served in the Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II, he was an aircraft instrument mechanic. Ken graduated from University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana with a bachelors in mechanical engineering. He graduated in the top 5 of his class, and later earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University. He worked for many years in Illinois, Tennessee and Massachusetts as a mechanical engineer, retiring in 1986. He met his beautiful wife of 68 years, Clara, when they were both working at Barber Coleman Company in Rockford. They met in the company chorus singing group, and were married in October of 1952. He was a long time member of Holy Family and St. Bernadette Churches in Rockford, Illinois. Ken was an amateur violinist mostly playing with friends, and was a member of the Rockford Community Orchestra for a few years.

He was a loving father and husband, and is survived by those who loved him most, his wife Clare; his children David Coughlin, Kate (Ron) Surrey, and Tom (Catalina) Coughlin; his grandchildren Richard and Gabriel Coughlin and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Peter Coughlin, and sisters Helen Coughlin, and Ruth (Coughlin) Goldman.

A Funeral Mass will take place for Ken on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave, Rockford, Illinois 61103. An internment will take place at Calvary Cemetery. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com