Dr. Charles Y. Coghlan

Charles Young "Chuck" Coghlan, D.M.D., M.S.D., passed away peacefully at age 87 on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at IU Bloomington Hospital. He was surrounded by his family and beloved wife, Helen, who was by his side for 66 years of beautiful memories-his favorites being Sunday Mass, Bloomington breakfasts with friends, wine trips, and family gatherings at the lake. Chuck was born on August 3, 1937, in Shelbyville, Indiana, the son of Charles V. and Helen J. (Young) Coghlan, from County Cork, Ireland, and Richmond, Indiana.
Chuck spent his childhood in Shelbyville, Indiana. Always a creative and crafty problem solver, he built many things from intricate woodwork projects to a foxhole in his backyard. He maintained his handy ways as he embarked on a career in dentistry, attending the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He spent his days studying in dental school and worked overnight shifts at the grocery store and on night security patrol at International Harvester to provide for his young family. After graduating from dental school in 1964, he entered the United States Army, serving his country for two years as a Captain in the Dental Corps. Following his honorable discharge, Chuck attended Indiana University School of Dentistry's Graduate Orthodontics Program, graduating in 1968, after which he opened his lifelong orthodontic practice, Coghlan Orthodontics, in Bloomington, Indiana. He spent 40 years practicing as "Dr. C" and was joined by his son, "Dr. Kevin," in 1989. At the same time, Chuck's daughter, Karen, joined him at Office Easel, a promotional products company for orthodontists that he created. He retired from practice in 2011 but until his last day made regular appearances at Coghlan Orthodontics to pick up the mail and check on the building his son, Mike, designed. Throughout his life, and especially in retirement, Chuck enjoyed weekends with his family at Somerset Lake-a tradition that his daughter, Shannon, has continued for the next generation.
Chuck loved to teach-he was very proud to have taught Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders to the Orthodontics residents at the Indiana University School of Dentistry for ten years and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to communicate in Morse Code. He was an avid Indiana University sports fan, attending countless IU football and IU men's and women's basketball games. A devout member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, he attended Mass every Sunday with his wife, Helen, always followed by breakfast at their favorite Bloomington restaurants. He was a licensed HAM radio operator and a wine aficionado –a proud member of the Indianapolis Chapter of the CCGVN (Confrérie des Compagnons Goustevin de Normandie). He had an impressive wine collection in the wine cellar he built himself. Chuck was also known for his creative hats, socks, and aprons (one of his favorites read, "When Irish eyes are smiling, they're usually up to something"). He had the best, quirkiest sense of humor, and he loved making people laugh and sharing stories. Chuck was especially proud of his Irish heritage, sharing Irish blessings at weddings, holidays, and any chance he could get.
Chuck was predeceased by his parents, and two grandchildren, Adam Eades and Faith Coghlan.
Chuck is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 66 years, Helen Liter Coghlan of Bloomington; his sister Nancy (Ron) Baron of Louisville, Kentucky; children Shannon (Luke) Eades of Bloomington; Michael (Bonnie) Coghlan of Indianapolis; Kevin (Elaine) Coghlan of Bloomington; and Karen (Carl) Matacale of Bloomington; he was a beloved Grandad to Kirsten (wife of Adam Eades), Alex (Amanda) Eades; Elise Eades; Charles G. Coghlan; Adrienne (Isaac) Fullenkamp; Diane (Brian) Chelius; Matthew (Kate) Coghlan; Sarah Coghlan; and Megan (Peter Leonard) Coghlan; and is survived by fourteen great-grandchildren, whom he loved and adored.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday July 5, 2025 at 10:00 am, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Bloomington, IN, officiated by Fr. Tom Kovach. Visitation will be held at the Church prior to the service at 9:00 am. Allen Funeral Home was entrusted to the care of these arrangments. In lieu of flowers please consider supporting the St. Meinrad Seminary, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577 or St. Charles Borromeo Church, 2222 East Third Street, Bloomington, IN 47401-5305.
"May those who love us love us, and those who don't love us, may God turn their hearts. And if He doesn't turn their hearts, may He turn their ankles so we'll know them by their limping."