Harry Leonard Coil

Harry Leonard Coil was born Oct. 20, 1933 in Jefferson. He was the second son of Marion and Mildred (Bedford) Coil. Harry attended school in Jefferson. He quit school to take care of his younger siblings due to his mother’s failing health. When Harry was of age, he joined the Army and was sent to Korea. While in Korea, he was promoted to Sergeant by Admiral Mark Clark.

Harry was wounded in combat. The officer told the men not to light a cigarette because a sniper would see the flame and shoot. Someone lit a match to light a cigarette and Harry got caught in crossfire. He was hit in the back, leg, and arms. He was brought back to the states and sent to the VA Hospital in Denver, Colorado to recuperate. While he was there he met President Eisenhower. President Eisenhower took Harry and others out on his boat to fish while he was there. 

 When Harry returned home to Jefferson, he met and married Patricia Peterson in 1959. To this union, five children were born:  Perry, Lisa, Patrick, Andrew and Stephen.

Harry led an interesting life. While living in California, he worked at several places but his love was the Orange County Sherriff’s Department, working at Dana Point Pier Harbor as a dispatcher. While working there he helped with a shipwreck of two Naval ships. He received two accommodations: one from President Nixon, and another from a Navy admiral. Harry was a member of Interpol. He also was nominated and received Patrolman of the year. He met many movie stars including John Wayne, Rachael Welsh, Andy Devine and many others.

Harry was very proud of his children. He took Perry, Patrick and Andrew through Indian Guides. Indian Guides was where the kids learned about Indians, making teepees, and camping out like the Indians did.

On April 8, 2000, Harry married Marietta Annunzio at Central Christian Church in Jefferson. They recently celebrated 22 years of marriage.

Harry Coil died April 26, 2022 in Coon Rapids. He was 88 years of age.  Preceding him in death were his parents; his son, Perry Coil; brothers: Albert and Russell; and sisters: Betty, Melba, Alberta and Marcella. 

Harry is survived by his wife, Marietta; brother, Bob; daughter Lisa (Kevin) Jackson; sons: Patrick Coil, Andrew (Tommie) Coil, Stephen Coil and nephew/son Anthony (Lorene) Arbuckle; step-daughters: Melissa (Jeff) Niles, and Shelly (boyfriend, Dennis Easterlie) Dawson; grandchildren: Sean Coil, Tara Coil, Kamerin Jackson; step grandchildren: Jeremy Dawson, Lori Finley, Travis Dawson, Shardae (Robby) Hadley; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorial service was held Friday, April 29 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home. Interment was at the Jefferson Cemetery.