Dr. Wendel Eugene “Gene” Coon was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather. Wendel passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 98, at The Bird House-Hospice in Iowa City, IA.
Wendel was born in Battle Creek, IA, one of 5 children of A.W. and Ophia Coon. He grew up in Odebolt and Des Moines, IA. He graduated H.S. in DSM in 1945 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. After discharge, he attended ISU, then transferred to the University of Iowa in 1948, graduating from Dental School with a DDS and BA. in 1953. He purchased a dental practice in Estherville, IA in1955, practicing dentistry until retiring in 1998, later moving to Iowa City.
As a private pilot, he loved to fly. He also loved skiing, photography, bridge, tennis, and especially golf. As an avid golfer all his life he was fortunate to score two Hole-in-Ones; one on the 335-yard par 4 at Estherville G&CC! Gene married Lois Marian Gutz in 1952, and they had four children – Barbara, Jim, Jane, and Paul. He was very active in the Iowa Dental Association, ADA, NW IA DA, Estherville DA, ISCD, Kiwanis, Toastmasters and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. He is survived by 3 of his children: Jim (Janice), Jane, Paul (Heather), 4 grandchildren: Sarah (Steve), Samuel (Kara), Bradley and Hayden, and 2 great-grandchildren: Nolan and Peyton.
The family will gather at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, in IC on August 22 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for friends to share condolences with a private family burial service to follow at Cedar Memorial Cemetery in CR at 2 p.m. Condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com or sent to: Jane Sheehan 3333 E. Bayaud Ave. Apt. 211B, Denver, Co 80209.
Please send any memorials in honor of Gene to: The Bird House, P. O. Box 3338 Iowa City, IA 52244; Iowa City Hospice, 1526 Sycamore St. Iowa City IA 52240 or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 123 Market St. Iowa City, IA 52245.
