Obituary of Dean E. Coglan

Dean E. Coglan, 85, of North Liberty, died Monday, October 29, 2012, under the care of Mercy Hospice in Iowa City. A time of gathering for family and friends to celebrate Dean's life will take place Monday, November 5, 2012, from 4-6:30 p.m., at the West Liberty Country Club. A private family committal service will take place at Ridgewood Cemetery in North Liberty Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Iowa City Hospice or Mercy Hospice. Dean Eldon Coglan, son of Byron and Irene (Carson) Coglan, was born September 30, 1927. He attended country school (Penn #3) near North Liberty, and later City High in Iowa City. On September 15, 1946, Dean married Betty Stagg, of West Liberty, in Iowa City. Together they made rural North Liberty home and began their family. Later in life they would winter in Florida, but always made their way back home for the summer. Dean was an avid pilot and enjoyed flying his own plane. He also participated in the Navy pre-flight training program in Iowa City. He was a talented lifelong musician and played jazz trumpet in several local bands. He often played Taps as a final honor for veterans at their funerals. Dean was known for his infectious personality, witty sense of humor, and colorful anecdotes. His family includes his wife, Betty; children, Larry (Carol) Coglan of Lone Tree, Linda (Francis "X") Cretzmeyer of Coralville; and Laura Coglan of Blue River, WI, and sister, Shirley (William) Schmelzer of Pinnconning, Michigan; grandchildren, Daniel (Jillian) and Mark (Star) Coglan and Angie (Travis) Axeen, Sarah and Matthew Cretzmeyer and great-grandchildren, Michael and Amanda Coglan and Annie, Sam and Lucy Axeen. Dean was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Brian Cretzmeyer. Dean's family wishes to thank Mercy Hospice and Iowa City Hospice for their care and support.