Obituary: William E. Coughlin

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

William E. Coughlin

William E. Coughlin, age 80, of Plainfield, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, Joliet, IL, surrounded by the love of his family.

Bill was born on August 29, 1945, in Streator, IL, the son of the late Emmett and Eileen (nee Dunn) Coughlin. He grew up in Kinsman, IL. He graduated from Mazon-Verona-Kinsman High School and then proudly served his country in the United States Army. Following his military service, Bill attended Joliet Junior College and earned his bachelor's degree from the College of St. Francis in Joliet, now the University of St. Francis.

Bill enjoyed a distinguished career in the insurance industry spanning more than five decades. He worked at Country Companies Insurance for 32 years, beginning as an adjuster and advancing to agent and Agency Manager before retiring in 2000. Never one to stay idle, Bill returned to work in marketing for Torrent Technologies and later joined Advanced Adjusting, Ltd., where he continued to share his expertise until his final retirement in 2020 as Vice President of Marketing and Client Growth. He served as a mentor to many and was highly respected by colleagues.

Throughout his life, Bill was deeply committed to serving his community. He was a Past President of the Plainfield Area Jaycees, the St. Mary Immaculate School Board, and the Life Underwriters Association. He was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church. A man of deep and abiding Catholic faith, he was firmly rooted in his beliefs, which shaped his character, inspired his actions, and guided him throughout his life.

Bill's greatest joy was his family. He shared a remarkable 60-year marriage with his beloved wife, Carole. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, faith, and countless cherished memories. Whether holding hands on a walk, attending family gatherings, or simply enjoying each other's company, their bond was an inspiration to all who knew them.

An avid golfer, Bill recorded three hole-in-ones during his lifetime and treasured time spent on the course with friends and family. He enthusiastically coached his daughters' youth softball teams and never missed an opportunity to support them in all their activities and athletic endeavors. In later years, he took equal pride in attending his grandchildren's sporting events and activities, always cheering them on from the sidelines.

Bill will be remembered for his Irish wit, infectious smile, hearty laugh, deep faith, devotion to his family, professionalism, and genuine interest in helping others.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Carole (nee. McGinnis); three daughters, Susan (Steve) Raasch, Karen (Mike) Shell, and Erin (Jamie) Larkin; grandchildren, Stephen (Genna) Mattioli, Patrick, Maggie and Katie Shell, Nora, Liam, and Finn Larkin; great-granddaughter, Eleanor Mattioli; sisters, Delores (the late Bob) Slattery and Betty (the late Elwood) Pfeifer; many extended family members, nieces, and nephews who will remember him fondly.

Preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Colleen (Leo) Kilbride, Rita (Tom) Slattery, JoAnn (Ken) Turner and Joyce (Joe) Louis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.

Visitation for William E. “Bill” Coughlin will be held Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, IL. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 5, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., from the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Avenue, Shorewood, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park with military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.

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