October 3, 2022
REST IN PEACE
Hunt, William "Bill" Coughlin Age 86 of Oak Park Heights, died Oct 3, 2022, and will be missed by family, friends, students and colleagues. As a priest, brother, teacher, administrator and husband, Bill inhabited the worlds of the mind, spirit, social justice and human relationships with passion and humor. Throughout his life, he maintained an enthusiastic study of theology and scripture, with emphasis on theological anthropology. Bill was born on Dec 29, 1935 in Northfield, MN into a family of devoted teachers, and often said that his experiences teaching were some of his most satisfying. Bill graduated from Anoka H.S. (1953); received a BA in philosophy from the St. Paul Seminary (1957); STL (MA in theology) from Gregorian University, Rome (1961); STD (PhD in theology) from Catholic University of America, Washington DC (1967). He was ordained a Catholic Priest in Rome, Italy on Dec. 18,1960. He received an MBA from St. Thomas University (1984) and served as Assistant to the City Manager of Fridley, MN from 1981-1998. From 1961-1980 Bill served in the Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis and joined the faculty at St. Paul Seminary in 1967. Bill guided many during a tumultuous time as the Director of the Newman Center at UMN from 1970-1980. He is remembered for his work there as a caring mentor and inspiring leader in the causes of peace and justice. Bill married Margaret Strobel on August 29, 1981. They enjoyed life together side by side for 36 happy ears surrounded by nature in their country home, Pine Lorien, north of Somerset, WI. They shared a love of birds, walking, swimming, music, art, service and family, and inspired all who knew them with their devotion to each other and shared commitment to social justice. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Vincent Raymond Hunt and Mary Bernadine Coughlin; his loving wife Margaret nee Strobel; sisters Mary Ann Randall, Emily Jane Bukoskey McGovern, and Elizabeth LaBrosse; sister-in-law Jeanne Strobel; brothers-in-law Dennis Neutzling, Mervin Bukoskey, Richard McGovern, Charles Randall, Robert LaBrosse and Bill Surasky; niece Renee Ichinose; nephews Brendan Randall, Michael Randall and Paul Hunt; nephew-in-law Jerry Raskin; grandniece Briana Taylor and grandnephew Teo Surasky. He is survived by sister Kathleen Hunt; brothers Vincent Robert (Mary Kay) and James Marshall; brother-in-law Rupe Strobel; former sister-in-law Katherine White Hunt; beloved niece Ann Bukoskey; special friend and prayer mentor Laura Schommer; many nieces, nephews, grand and great nieces and nephews, and dear and true friends. Bill suffered from various serious and prolonged illnesses which he accepted with equanimity, dignity and grace. Thus, through this example and through his life of caring and giving of himself to make a better world, he continues to guide those of us still living as we consider our own values and mortality. The family thanks Lakeview Hospice, and especially the staff at Boutwells Care Center for their compassionate and devoted care. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Oct 24th at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis at 11:00 am with visitation one hour before. Livestream link is mary.online.churchFlowers are appreciated as are memorials to Options for Women, St. Croix Valley, PO Box 158, Stillwater, MN 55082.
Published on October 16, 2022