Submitted by: John C. Monk

Michael P. Coughlin

Aug. 20, 1948 - July 28, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Michael P. Coughlin, 61, of Portage, MI (formerly of South Bend), died at 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at Rock Island Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rock Island, IL. He was born on August 20, 1948, to Paul J. and Geraldine E. (Blair) Coughlin in Michigan City, IN. He grew up in Michigan City, IN, and graduated in 1966 from Marquette High School. His family moved to South Bend in 1968. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Indiana University South Bend in 1970, and worked locally at South Bend Lathe and Kosegi Leather Company. Mike was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, and he participated in the Duneland Barbershop Chorus in Michigan City. Mike married Dalthea Schoner of South Bend on April 6, 1974, in Christ the King Catholic Church. He and his wife moved to Portage, MI, where he worked at Borgess Medical Center, Acorn Windows and for the Roman Catholic Diocese, all in the Kalamazoo area. He was a 3rd degree member of the St. Catherine of Siena Knights of Columbus in Portage, MI. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Dalthea R. (Schoner) of Portage, MI; two daughters, Michele Rose (Bryan) Bishop of Kalamazoo, MI, and Dorothea Rose (Ken) Kruis of Holland, MI; three granddaughters, Ella Rose Bishop, Kara Rose Bishop and Kayleigh Rose Kruis. He is also survived by his parents, Paul and Geraldine Coughlin of South Bend, IN; two brothers, Kevin (Tina) Coughlin of Valrico, FL, and Brian (Nancy) Coughlin of South Bend, IN; four sisters, Kristine (Brian) McDowell of Kerrville, TX, Patrice (Tim) Pahr of Burnsville, MN, Paula Hesch of South Bend, IN, and Mary Jill (Bob) Kroske of Greer, SC; 12 nieces and nephews, Christopher (Jackie) Coughlin, Andrew (Ava) Coughlin, Joseph (Emily) Nufer, Nicole (John) Lehman, Katie Anne Nufer, David Coughlin, Greta Pahr, Hanna Pahr, Adam Hesch, Suzy (Robbie) Niemier, Benjamin Kroske and William Kroske. Michael contracted polio the summer of 1949, just before the polio vaccine was available to the public. He spent several months at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis in an adult-size iron lung to assist his breathing. The suction from the iron lung caused a permanent scar on his neck. Two months later, two small respirators were delivered to Riley's, and Mike was able to use one of them. He was the youngest patients in the polio ward, and was everybody's little brother. Mike celebrated his first birthday there. Michael had paralysis in his arms and legs, but he learned to walk and accomplished many goals, which required a great deal of extra effort on his part. He was confined to a wheelchair, then a bed, only in his last years. An inspiration to everyone he met with his positive approach to life and his great sense of humor, Mike reminded us to count our blessings rather than see limitations. He fought hard to overcome obstacles, showing us that we may also be more capable than we think. He taught us patience, understanding and humility, and that we can all learn from our strengths and weaknesses. Michael was an accomplished son, a fun big brother, a great friend, and a loving husband and father. The last 20 years of his life, Mike battled with Post Polio Syndrome, a deterioration of the muscles that were overworked to fight the original paralysis. He spent seven years in The Valparaiso Nursing and Care Center, and the last four months in Rock Island Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where he passed into the next life. His family is grateful for the visits of his Marquette High School friends the past three years when communication became difficult - you know who you are. You made those days brighter. Mike's love of family and his sense of humor served him well through his entire life. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Monday, August 2, 2010, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 3, 2010, in Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children's Foundation, 30 S. Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204-3509; or to the Share Foundation, P.O. Box 400, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371-0400. To send condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.