Ellen Coan

Ellen Coan

Iowa City

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ellen Phyllis Coan, age 92, of Iowa City who passed away on August 22, 2025.

Ellen was born on February 13th, 1933 in Iowa City, Iowa to Phillip and Clara (Laschke) Murphy. She grew up in rural Iowa City and attended St. Patrick's school. On August 26th, 1953, she married William Joseph (Bill) Coan, of Emerson, Nebraska. They began their married life in Nebraska and later moved to Iowa, where they eventually farmed, in the Lone Tree area. They were married over 40 years, before Bill passed away in June of 2000.

Ellen enjoyed being outdoors, tending to her flower gardens, sewing, listening to music, playing cards and painting nature. Bill and Ellen also enjoyed spending the winter months in Texas for a number of years. While in assisted living, she was very appreciative of visits from her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ellen is survived by her children, William E. Coan (Joan) of Lenexa, KS, Carla J. Sieger (Steve) of Brooklyn, IA, David A. Coan (Marggie) of Prairie du Sac, WI and Lu Ann Wieland (Steven) of Alamo, TX; Seven grandchildren: Jill Coan, Jenna Bobrov, Justin Sieger, Stephanie Wilson, Amy Gaytan, Mary Coan and John Coan. Eight great grandchildren: Lucas, Dax, Kai, Lillian, Adalynn, Piper, Taytum and Sophie along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband as well as her five siblings, Grace Scheetz, Marie Pastorino, Raymond Murphy, Rita Burns, and Ralph Murphy.

Visitation will be from 9:00am to 10:30am at St. Joseph's church in Hills, Iowa on Thursday. August 28, 2025. Funeral services will follow at 10:30am. Burial services will take place at Lone Tree Cemetery, and a luncheon will follow at the Lone Tree American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice for their musical therapy program.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com.