Alfred Coe

Our father Al Coe passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025 surrounded by his children. He was born February 3, 1929 in St. Louis, MO to Robert L Coe, Sr. and Dorothy Coates Lipke. In 1956, he was introduced to our mother in a camera shop. He and Clarissa Anne Stewart were married December 8 of that year. Together they raised their children Victoria "Vicki" (companion Sherry Sanders), Priscilla Coe-Brandt, Jessica (Mark) Thannen and Jonathan (Susan). Dad wanted to provide a small town upbringing for his children so we relocated from the Chicago suburbs in 1973. He has called South Haven home ever since.
After an early career in photography, Dad spent most of his work life as a manufacturer's representative in the greater Chicago area. After retirement, he filled his days with volunteer work. Dad brought the We Care Festival of Trees to South Haven. In 2000 he decided he wanted more out of retirement and went to work for the US Census Bureau. He continued that work for 10 years.
Dad was a performer! He played the role of Peter in many productions of The Last Supper. He went on to play God at the First United Methodist Church. More recently he was active in Reader's Theatre with Senior Services. Dad had a powerful voice. He sang at the Missouri Military Academy as a cadet, Hope Reformed Church, Peace Lutheran Church, Hospice, River Ridge, South Haven Area Men's Chorus, weddings, funerals, and anywhere people would listen. He sang to our mother as he cared for her until her death in 2015.
Dad was an avid photographer. He would spend so much time and energy perfecting the shot. He gifted many photos of Lake Michigan, the lighthouse, the beach, and nature to his friends.
Dad found love again and in October 2020, he and Marietta Kozlik exchanged vows of love and commitment. He spent his remaining years cherishing Marietta and her daughters: Terry (Lynn) Dotson, Rhonda (Paul) Vanden Braden, Donna Jordan, and Vickiy (Steve) Wall. They all survive.
Our dad is preceded in death by his parents; our mother; his brothers Robert L Coe Jr, David Coe; and twin granddaughters. Dad is survived by his four children; grandchildren Jennifer Vander Wall, Sarah Martinez, Colin Marr, Martha (Joe) Obaseki, Kaitlyn Brandt, Andrew Thannen, Clarissa Thannen, Alexander "AJ", and Daniel "DJ"; great-grandchildren Kylar, Emmarsan, Kaiden, Rylen, Blaine, Juliana, Ava, Brecken, Noah, Carter, Layla, Delanie, Harper, Liam; great-great-grandchild Finnan; siblings Jerry (Jeanie), Marilyn Brown; sister-in-law Georgianna; nieces; nephews; and many, many friends.
We would like to thank all of you that have helped over the years with our parents. We appreciate the endless love and support you have given. Thank you Vickiy, Steve and CiCi Wall for loving and caring for our Dad. Thank you Centrica Care Navigators and Rose Arbor staff for providing comfort and support on our dad's final journey.
Dad proudly stated he was going to medical school and he has now completed his final goal. He dedicated his remains to the WMU Homer Stryker School of Medicine.
A Memorial Service will be held in South Haven at First United Methodist Church, 429 Michigan Ave, South Haven, MI on September 6, 2025 at 11:00a.m. with a luncheon following at Lakeside Social, 09921 Blue Star Memorial Hwy, South Haven, MI. Internment will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Van Buren County Senior Services,08837 M-140, South Haven, MI 49090; Peace Lutheran Church, 06321 Blue Star Memorial Hwy, South Haven, MI 49090; Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009; Rose Arbor, 5473 Croyden Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009; or a hospice of your choice.
To those who choose to leave a condolence or memory please visit www.starksfamilyfh.com