Emmett Coughlin died on August 17, 2019 in Parnell Township, near Elkton at the age of 97 years, 1 month and 3 days in the same house where he was born.  His wife and all six children were blessed to be at his bedside when he died.
Emmett Charles Coughlin was born in rural Brookings County in Parnell Township on July 14, 1922 to John (Jack) and Mary (Carroll) Coughlin, the fourth of five boys.  He received his education in Bookings County country schools. He married Julia Maher on July 26, 1952 in Estelline and they raised six children on the family farm established by his grandfather, Patrick, in 1880.  Emmett continued to farm there all his life. He and his family lived in the house that was built by his father Jack in 1910. Emmett was a true farmer, loving all aspects of farming. He never considered farming to be work.  For him raising livestock and crops were a way of life.  He had an everlasting respect for the land, and for God’s blessings on the fall harvest. He loved and was proud of his family, his faith, and his 100% Irish heritage. Emmett enjoyed visiting with and being around people. His family enjoyed his quick Irish wit and optimistic nature. Through his encouragement his children continued their education and he was proud to see all six become college graduates.  To his family, he was larger than life, one of a kind, the last of a breed. Emmett’s grandchildren love visiting the farm and hearing their Grandpa’s jokes and humorous storytelling. Those who knew him appreciated his fondness for “Red” machinery, Ford cars, and cigars. Emmett was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, served on the St. Mary’s School board, was active on the Parnell township election board for many years, and was also a member of the Brookings Elks Lodge.   
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Julia, and six children:  Kathleen (Robert) Danielson, Moreno Valley, CA; John Coughlin, Elkton; Mary (Gerald) Stai, Inwood, IA; Julia (Joseph) Lipka, Arlington Heights, IL; Jackie (Thomas) Turk, Yorba Linda, CA; Patrick (Connie) Coughlin, Ely, MN, sixteen grandchildren:  Meghan (Alex) Mullins, Mary, Stephanie, and Joseph Danielson; Martha, Brian (Kathryn), and Charles Stai; Daniel, Elizabeth, and John Lipka; Matthew (Shannon), Elizabeth, and Natalie (Tim Andrews) Turk; McKenna, Kate, and Rachel Coughlin; brother-in-law, Joe (Juanita) Maher; sister-in-law Veronica Coughlin; five great-grandchildren, with one on the way, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Robert, his parents, and four brothers, Frank, Earl, Robert, and Raymond.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Elkton with burial in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Elkton. Visitation is Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a 7:00 pm rosary at the church.
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