Coulon, Donald Michael

Donald Michael Coulon, 73, died Aug. 17, 2011, in Hood River, Ore., after suffering from dementia for several years. A memorial for Don will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at the First Presbyterian Church in Marengo, with the Rev. Gerald Rife officiating. Inurnment will be in the Marengo Cemetery. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo is assisting with arrangements.

Don was born June 9, 1938, in Adrian, Mich., the son of George and Peggy (Zemlo) Coulon. An outstanding athlete, Don graduated from high school in 1957 and started college at the University of Wyoming on a football scholarship. After a transfer to the University of Northern Colorado, he graduated in 1962 with a degree in Physical Education. He later earned his Master's degree in Special Education from Northeast Missouri State University.

Don's first teaching and coaching position moved his new wife, Peggy Ryan; daughter, Dawn Michelle and him to Winfield, Iowa. In 1969, they, plus daughter, Kristin and son, Bradley, moved to Marengo, Iowa, where he was named the football and wrestling coach and taught Special Education. He was asked to take over the coaching and teaching duties in Algona, Iowa, in 1976, where he delivered a winning record. Don and Peggy divorced in 1978. After marrying Twila Fredrickson, Don took a teaching and coaching position at Spirit Lake High School in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Don and Twila lived on Big Spirit Lake for 20 years where he coached, taught and caught his fair share of fish!

He retired in 2003 and moved back to the Marengo area to be near family and friends. His last active years were spent fishing, golfing and hanging out with the guys at the donut shop. He will always be remembered for his fun coaching style, his out going personality, his kind demeanor and optimism.

Don is survived by his children, Kris Coulon Rettig (Hunt) and grandchildren, Addy and Juna of Aspen, Colo., Brad Coulon (Susan) and granddaughter Eva of White Salmon, Wash.; and stepchildren, Joe Fredrickson (Andrea) of Solon, and stepgrandson Blake, Ken Fredrickson of Iowa City, Scott Fredrickson (Hope) of Altoona, and stepgranddaughter Caitlyn.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Twila (Gerard) Coulon; brother, Dick Coulon ;and daughter, Michelle Coulon.

A gathering of family, friends and athletes Don coached will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Marengo American Legion Hall before the football game on Friday. Also, Coach Coulon will be honored at the Iowa Valley football game during halftime.

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Published in The Gazette Oct. 12, 2011.