Mildred Lucille Coolman, 27 Jul 1926 - 09 Dec 2015

COOLMAN, FOUBERT, KNIPFER, MCDOWELL, HILGENDORF, DWIGGINS, DREUSSI, ANDER, CASTAGNOLA, DISTLER

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 12/31/2015 at 15:47:21

Obituary for Mildred "Midge" Coolman

Mildred “Midge” Lucille Coolman
July 27th, 1926 - December 9th, 2015

Mildred “Midge” Lucille Coolman, 89, of Franklin, TN was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, 2015 while surrounded by family in her home.

Born the first child to Acihl and Augusta [Knipfer] Foubert of Millersburg, Iowa, she attended Pleasant Grove Grace Brethren Church and graduated from Millersburg High School in 1945. Farm life wasn't easy. She was one of those parents who really wore flower-sack dresses, put cardboard in her shoes, and walked three miles in the snow to school! Apparently these hardships didn't jade her, as she was always quick with a story and a twinkle in her eye! Midge had a decidedly unique approach to life, her motto being "Anything worth doing, is worth doing to the best of your ability!" She exemplified this in her many achievements and her dedication and devotion to family and friends.

Midge worked for Millers Mutual Insurance Company in Alton, IL. After marrying her best friend, Larry, she enjoyed many years traveling, taking classes at Lewis and Clark Community College, acting as Women’s Club President, volunteering, and being a homemaker. Midge loved quilting, decorating, gardening, sewing, woodworking, knitting, shopping, word and number games, going to the lake, and watching court TV. She also was an ace markswoman! Midge and Larry’s lives together found them making cherished friends in Wood River, IL; Flossmoor, IL; Sylvania, OH; McComb, MI; Coshocton, OH; and Overland Park, KS before finally settling in Franklin, TN in 2002 to be near family. Midge was a devoted wife, cherished mother, grandmother,sister, aunt, and friend to all who knew her. She instantly touched the hearts of everyone she met including neighbors, medical personnel, and caretakers. Midge looked forward to and enjoyed daily phone calls, texts and emails from family and friends. Midge will certainly live on through the lives of many others, whom she impacted by her loving character.

Midge is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Ellen McDowell, her brother Vernon Foubert, and her husband of 38 years, W. Larry Coolman.

She is survived by her brother Harold Foubert (Barbara) of North English, IA; and 3 children: Kathleen Hilgendorf Dwiggins (Timothy) of Yorktown, VA; Michael Hilgendorf of Alton, IL; and Jamie Coolman Dreussi (Robert) of Franklin, TN. She was a cherished Grandmother of 7: Tricia Ander (Joseph); Amy Castagnola (Steve); EmiLeigh Dwiggins Distler; Michael J. Hilgendorf; Joshua, Samantha and William Dreussi; and Great-Grandmother of 5: Rachael, Laura Beth and Mathew Ander; and Megan and Katelynn Castagnola, all of whom she was extremely proud. Midge also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, December 19th at 1 pm at Powell Funeral Home in North English, IA, with Pastor Luke Caster presiding. Burial will follow at Millersburg Cemetery culminating with a reception at the North English Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Bethany Christian Services at www.Bethany.org .

Powell Funeral Home
English Valleys Star, 23 Dec 2015, pg 4