Karen L. Coughlin

Karen Louise Coughlin (Houlihan), age 66, joined her daughter Katie Courtney in heaven on Friday July 4th, 2014, surrounded by her family and embraced with love. Karen was born in Mitchell, SD on April 7th, 1948. She graduated high school from Lyons in 1966. She married Edmund M. Coughlin in Pipestone, MN on March 9th, 1968. Shortly after, they moved to Mankato, MN and started their family. Along with raising her daughters, she attended Mankato State University to earn an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene. Karen had a passion for learning and later went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health & Behavioral Science, a Master of Science in Community Counseling, an Associate in Applied Science for Respiratory Care Practitioner, and various other certificates. She spent most of her career practicing dental hygiene and later taught at Argosy University. She had a love for the arts and enjoyed going to plays, concerts, and shows in her free time. Karen adored her family, especially spending time with her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchild. Karen was preceded in death by daughter, Katie Coughlin and son-in-law, Mark M. Weber. She is survived by her husband, Ed Coughlin; parents, Milo and Betty Houlihan; daughters, Shelly (Dick) Szurek; Kris Weber; Leah (Dan) Cunningham; grandchildren, Jaimie; Jacob; Matthew; Joshua; and Noah; great-grandchild, Kaelyn; sisters, Linda (Bob) Sommers; Pat (Jack) Hardy; brother, Mike (Sharon) Houlihan; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog Ben. A Memorial Service, officiated by Pastor Kris Capel, will be held on Friday, July 25 at 10:00 am at the Wise Family Funeral Home, 400 Spring Street, Hastings. A gathering will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A Private Family Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Mankato.