Julia Anna Coughlin

Julia Anna (Maher) Coughlin died on September 7, 2025 at her home on the family farm near Elkton at the age of 99 years, 8 months. All six of her children were blessed to be at her bedside. The visitation will be Friday, September 12, from 5:00 to 7:00pm with a rosary to follow. The funeral mass will be Saturday, September 13, at 11:00am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton, SD.

Julia Anna Maher, daughter of Edmund (Ned) and Edith (Slaymaker) Maher, was born December 17, 1925 on a farm near Aurora, South Dakota, the 7th of 10 children. She received her education at Medary District #92 School and graduated from Brookings High School in 1943. After high school she attended General Beadle State Teacher's college for one year and taught all eight grades in one-room rural schools for eight years. Years later, Julia was a substitute teacher at Elkton Public School.

She married Emmett Coughlin July 26, 1952 in Estelline, SD. They made their home together on the Coughlin family farm near Elkton where she was a true and active partner in the farm operation. She continued living on the farm with her son, John, until her death.

Julia loved teaching, gardening, sewing, and dancing. She was a voracious reader, fostering her extensive vocabulary and travelling the world through her books. She had a life-long love of learning, with interests ranging from history and poetry to agriculture and current events. Her family is grateful that Julia was sharp and alert until the very end of her life. Her quick Irish wit was appreciated by those who knew her.

Julia was devoted to the Catholic Faith, and very involved in Our Lady of Good Counsel parish, which was a significant part of her life. Teaching Catechism gave her much joy and satisfaction. Some of her former students still comment on how much they learned in her classes. She was an active member of the Altar Society and her lemon meringue pie was highly sought after at the church stand at the annual Harvest Festival.

She was a loving and nurturing Mother who taught her children how to live their faith, to work hard, and to value knowledge and education, for which they will be eternally grateful. Julia loved her large family and their frequent visits to the farm were a source of joy to her. She had great affection and a close relationship with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Julia is survived by her six children: Kathleen (Robert) Danielson, Moreno Valley, CA, John Coughlin, Elkton, Mary (Gerald) Stai, Inwood, IA, Julia (Joseph) Lipka, Arlington Heights, IL, Jacqueline (Thomas) Turk, Rapid City, SD, Patrick (Connie) Coughlin, Ely, MN; 16 grandchildren: Meghan (Alex) Mullins, Mary, Stephanie, and Joseph Danielson, Martha (Hunter) Winklepleck, Brian (Kathryn) Stai, Charles (Gretchen) Stai, Daniel (Margaret) Lipka, Elizabeth, and John Lipka, Matthew (Shannon) Turk, Elizabeth (Matthew) Poalise, Natalie (Tim) Andrews, McKenna, Kate, and Rachel Coughlin; 19 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Juanita Maher; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett; infant son, Robert; her parents, five sisters and four brothers.