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Peggy Lou Coulon

Kossuth County Advance - Staff Photo -

 

September 29, 1939 - April 6, 2023

 

Peggy Lou Coulon (Ryan), age 83, passed away on April 6, 2023, in Hood River, Ore.

Her family will lay her to rest in the Ryan family plot in Rocky Ford, Colo.

A memorial will be held in Algona on July 7 at the Water’s Edge Nature Center. Visitation from 4-7 p.m. with a short memorial service at 5 p.m.

Born to Hazel Ryan (Ritchie) and Millard Ryan on Sept. 29, 1939, in Rocky Ford, Colo. Peg was raised in a farming home with her big brother Jim, big sister Kay and her little brother Mike.

As her high school yearbook attests Peg was a “swell friend” and a “fun gal”. She first attended college at La Junta Community College where she met her future husband and father of her children, Don. They both transferred to Colorado State College in Greeley, Colo. and she graduated with a teaching certificate. Married in 1958, she soon brought a little girl, Dawn Michelle, into the world. 

Thankfully for Iowa, Peg moved with her family to Winfield. There she had her second daughter, Kristin Kay (husband Hunt and daughters Addy and Juna) and son, Bradley Ryan (wife Susan and daughter Eva). All the while, she was a substitute teacher and was proud to raise a fine family. After moving to Marengo for her husband’s high school football coaching career, Peg continued substitute teaching. It was here her extraordinary talents in calligraphy and crafting were able to blossom. In 1976 the family moved for a new coaching position in Algona. Here she worked in the AV room at Algona High School. If you lettered in any sport or activity during her tenure, your certificate was surely the work of the artfully creative Peg. If you attended almost any home athletic event, she likely took your ticket, asked about your family and shared a laugh. She enjoyed the kids who were drawn to her AV room for fun banter and friendship. It just felt good to be around Peg.

Peg picked up lovely and lifelong friends all along the way and Algona was no exception. She had many friends and wonderful memories that she carried with her. Peg was always helping others and compassionate to those who needed someone to lean on. After retiring from AHS, Peg worked at the public library, which ironically was a place of lively conversation, where she stayed connected to the community. She was even chosen as the honorary Mayor in the Algona parade! 

A health issue took its toll on Peg making it clear she needed to be closer to her family. She moved to Hood River, Ore. where her son Brad and daughter-in-law Susan (Grimm) along with their daughter Eva were able to give her ten more loving years in Oregon. She was able to kid around with her new friends and drive around with Brad where they would consistently try to outwit each other. (She won!) 

She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings and her treasured first child, Michelle. Her love of genealogy was, no doubt, a big comfort to her passing over. We can only imagine her welcome parade! 

Peggy Lou Ryan Coulon was a kind genuine soul and as witty as they come. Her unconditional love for her children will be missed and always cherished. 

We love you Mom. ‘til later. 

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