Andrew Jay Coen, 61, of Burlington, died May 15, 2024, from complications of lung cancer.
Andy was born Feb. 26, 1963, in Mercy Hospital, Burlington,to Robert and Goldie Woodsmall Coen, the third of six children.
Growing up on a farm near Salem, Andy was often found immersed in nature. An avid outdoorsman, he routinely hunted, trapped, and fished. Many funny stories could be told about Andy’s farm life; swimming and/or skinny dipping in the pond and Skunk River, and often and easily finding mischief with his siblings and cousins. One such story included Andy choosing a billy goat, aptly named Billy, rather than taking the money after bailing hay for a neighboring farmer. Though a great nuisance to the family, Billy made Andy a happy boy who never regretted his decision.
Andy was a Salem Volunteer 4-H Club member and a Mount Pleasant High School graduate. As an adult, he declared himself a staunch Democrat who believed in the working class and equal rights for all. Andy spent his time writing poetry and short stories, listening to rock’n roll, and was a true jokester. Above all, Andy loved spending time with his family, especially sitting around the table eating while telling childhood stories. For several years before his dad’s passing, Bob and Andy regularly attended Saturday night mass at St. John’s Catholic Church together. Andy will be greatly missed by his family.
Andy is survived by his mother, Goldie Coen of Burlington, sister Jean Coen of Burlington, and brothers Joe (Linda) Coen of Newton, Patrick (Jennifer) Coen, of Burlington, and Stephen (Vionelkis) Coen of Holland, Mich., as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
His father, sister Jewell Ashraf, and grandparents preceded him in death.
Andy’s body will be cremated, and his family will receive friends and family at 6 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, at his brother's residence, 408 Iowa Street Burlington, to celebrate his life.