Steven B Doan

Comments from friends and classmates that tell of a vibrant girl, a lovely young woman, a compassionate nurse, loving wife and mom and grandmom--all speak so eloquently of what this wonderful and amazing human being meant to us. I remember being fast friends from the very beginning at Northwood Middle School, then on to North Side. She did shine so. And it was from the inside out. It was only in the past few years that she and I discovered that we were born on the exact same day--she in Fort Wayne (I think) and I in Bluffton. As Barry Donovan, Lou Bojrab, Don Leuenberger, Jeff Michell, and I cut up and laughed with her, there was an easy spontaneity that transcended class or cliques or groups of friends--she was seemingly everyone's friend. And there was never any doubt that she and Don were headed to a life of shared grace. What a team they made. Dee listened to me, commiserated, laughed, teased, but mostly made me feel more special than I deserved. Everyone needs friends like that. Dear soul, rest in peace. And Don, you have our shared tears.

Virginia J. Olcsan (Hill)

I am very sorry to hear about Dee'a passing.  She was such a nice person and treated everyone with kindness.

Patricia L. Mills (Lydy)

As I write this, you are on "the other side", certainly in the company of God, his Angels and Saints.  What other fate could be reasonable for the gentle soul that you revealed to those who met and knew you?

Each of us will leave a legacy.  Yours is clearly brilliant and the evidence is on these pages and the beautiful and inspiring funeral service that was attended by many classmates and others where people were mourning your passing.  Pray for all of us Dee as we journey toward meeting you again. We are heartbroken for the family's loss and they will all be in our thougths and prayers.   

Cheryl L. Evers (Hohenbrink)

It is hard to believe that Dee is gone but I will always have some great memories of our friendship. We became friends in1959. Our freshman year at Northwood Junior high at that time. What a character she was! She put a smile on anyone that she came in contact with that says a lot about what kind of person she was. We will all miss her. My deepest sympathies to her family. Take care. Cheryl

David C. Green

Deanne was great. We became better and better friends throughout high school along with pals Luenberger, Ehrsam, Bojrab, and of course Don. What I particularly remember was how empathetic she was the summer of our first year in college/nursing school after I was unable to rekindle my relationship with the then "love of my life" Diane Hosler.  She fixed me up with on of her nursing classmates, Pamela something.  We had a fairly torrid but short relationship though we double dated with her and "Elbie."  That fall I met the true love of my life, my current wife, and we always had occasion to see Deanne and Don during holiday breaks, including going to their wedding.  After graduation, life got m the way and I didn't see Deanne until our reunion.

It was like I never left Fort Wayne- the same Deanne, cheerful, fun, great to be around and very loving and attentive to Don who was still adjusting to his blindness. I was looking forward to seeing her again at the next reunion.  Clearly gone too soon and a wonderful loving caring person. Our hearts go out to her family and other friends, we have definitely lost one of the good ones. 

Constance L. Hanes (Young)

I first met Dee on my first day of 7th grade at Washington Township school.  She was so friendly and immediately made me feel welcome and part of the group.  Her smile was infectious, as was her laugh.  I know she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.  She is now pain free and in the company of our Lord and Savior. Don and family-I know Dee loved her family most of all.  Please accept my condolences on your loss. Connie (Hanes) Young

Dia Felice Smith (Salogga)

        Don_ it has been 52 years since I have seen you or Dee, but when I heard she had passed I knew I had to let you know that I grieve for your loss.  My heart is always open to you and remembers a lot of old, old times; skating on the ponds at Lakeside Park in the winter after school and Forest Park School.  Each Day will be better than the Past and easier than the Day Before,  All of the Family Help one another...        my Best,  Dia Felice Smith Salogga (or Flicker)

Les Ehrsam

Don and Dee were two of my best friends in high school.  We had maintained some level of contact over the years considering the distance and living our own lives.  At the time of the 50 year reunion and after, we had reconnected and became really close again.  It was as if nothing had changed - the same Dee with her positive energy and sense of humor.  We had great times again visiting and hanging out.  This was a total shock that I am still having a hard time accepting.

Stanley O. Needham

My wife and I just returned from a month-long road trip and cruise to celebrate our 50th anniversary.  I commented that it appeared nothing bad had happened while we were gone, and then I read about Dee's passing.  Shock doesn't begin to describe by reaction.

When we arrived at the Castle the night before the 50th reunion, we were the 2nd couple to arrive, the first being Dee and Don, so we got a chance to reminisce a bit just the four of us.  We've lost a really neat lady, and my deepest sympathies go out to Don and the rest of his family.

David A. Wilson

We chose Dee Coughlin and Larry Doty as “The Friendliest” in our ‘59’ Wildcat Yearbook. In my mind she was a top contender for that acknowledgement every year thereafter. Happy is a response to a situation. Joy is a life style. Dee chose Joy. We witnessed how Dee’s graciousness brought out the best in others. As we grieve, angels sing. I’m certain Dee was welcomed with “well done good and faith servant”. I pray peace and comfort for you and yours, Don.