Richard "Dick" Coffman

The head coach of our team, Richard Eugene Coffman was born in Sigourney, Iowa to Harold and Cathreen Grimm Coffman on August 4, 1948. He joined his sister Karen (Bill Wadsworth) on the farm, and later was joined by Cheryl (Don Koch) and Robert (Darlas). Growing up, Dick enjoyed working with show cattle. He was the leader of Liberty Future Farmers 4H club. Dick and his friends, especially Bob Cobb, John Garringer, and Paul O’Rourke had a lot of fun in high school at English Valleys in North English, graduating in 1966.

Dad worked at Amana Manufacturing as a Leadman and married Barbara Sue Shirk in June of 1967. I, (Michelle/Shelly)  joined the roster. At age 19, Dick began a varied coaching career that would last his entire life. Coaching expanded to umpiring tee-ball age to the collegiate level. He served as President of Sigourney Ball, Inc. for a number of years. Dad was a proud member of the Jaycees and served as a local President, and State Vice-President.

Seven years later,Chris joined our team and Dad started working for Keokuk County as a Surveyor and then Maintenance Supervisor. For nine years, we were a team of 4 and then along came my sister, Rebekah, to complete the roster. As a member of the Sigourney United Methodist Church, Dad found a quick friendship with minister Gary Dobbins and served as Sunday School Superintendent, on the Pastor Parish Relations committee, and various other church boards.

A new neighbor, Robert Howard, changed our living room conversation forever. Dad was  a videographer for Savage and SK football to  keep his mouth shut, an avid supporter of Sigourney Athletics and Activities.He also served 11 years as Sigourney School Board President.

Later Dad worked at Pella Corporation for a brief period before joining the Keokuk County Sheriff’s Department, as Jail Administrator and Head Dispatcher. Despite being led by a Cubs/Packers fan, Dad, an avid Los Angeles Dodger and Chicago Bears fan,  joined the What Cheer Methodist Church and began to teach Sunday School.

My dad was most proud of his grandchildren. Trace (17), Xander (14), Taytum (13), and Maddoux (8) are the children of Rebekah and David Bell of Sigourney. Chris and Heather Coffman of Grinnell, have 6 boys; Drew(19), Owen (18), Brady(14), Caden (10), Ian and Kody (3). Frosty and I are the parents of Cole (23), Kendall Little (Kevin) (21), and  Cade (16) Streigle.

Dad peacefully passed away at Sigourney Hospital on October 16, 2020 and was preceded in death by his parents, a brother in law, Ronne Shirk, and a granddaughter Angel Streigle.