Dale Stephen Coffin 93, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on August 10, 2013 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 18, 1920 on a rural farm in Burnside, Iowa, Dale was the second youngest and last surviving of the four children of James Walter and Jessie Belle (Mintun) Coffin. Dale had an older brother Varlen, an older sister, Vivian (Hansen), and a younger sister Nina (Nelson).
Dale grew up in northwest Iowa working on his father’s farm. In 1942 Dale was the first person drafted in Humboldt County, IA. He joined the Navy and graduated first in his class of 800 from Great Lakes Naval Training Station. Dale went on to become one of the first Aviation Electronics School instructors, focusing on the PB4Y2.
He married the love of his life, (Helen) Beverly Cran on October 10, 1942 in Rutland, Iowa. They were able to be together during a significant portion of his Navy years being stationed in Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, California, and Washington. Dale also had a tour in the Aleutian Islands. During the war years they developed enduring friendships that have spanned the last 70 years. Dale received his Honorable Discharge in October, 1945, just in time to be home for the birth of their first child.
In the ensuing years, Dale received a degree from Iowa State University and eventually started his own electrical company in Rutland, Iowa. In 1966 Dale and Beverly moved to Arizona where he continued Coffin Electric for several years. Dale and Beverly shared 71 years of marriage with a life-long love for each other, family, golf, dancing, playing cards, and travel (all 50 states and England).
Dale is survived by his wife Beverly, and their three children and their spouses – Suzanne (Chuck Nolting), Stephen (Barbara), and Scott (Suzanne). They have several wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ, on August 14, with visitation/viewing starting at 1:00PM and the memorial service at 1:30PM. A reception will be held immediately following at the Club Room at Recreation Center One, Leisure World, 908 South Power Road, Mesa, AZ.
Beverly, we were saddened to hear of Dale’s passing – and yet, we do not grieve as those who have no hope!
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-14) I am amazed to read that you had 71 years together. What a gift. God bless you and your family – Dale will be missed by many. Sending much love and “hugs” from Canada! I have many happy memories of the two of you. You will be in my prayers.
Barb Pietz
Beverly, we were saddened to hear of Dale’s passing – and yet, we do not grieve as those who have no hope!
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-14) I am amazed to read that you had 71 years together. What a gift. God bless you and your family – Dale will be missed by many. Sending much love and “hugs” from Canada! I have many happy memories of the two of you. You will be in my prayers.
Barb Pietz