Louise Coumbe

Louise Coumbe, 95, died peacefully on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026, a favorite holiday, in Oshkosh, WI. She was born in Oshkosh to John Robert (Bob) and Gwen (Owens) Coumbe. Louise attended Campus School through 2nd grade and continued her education in Blue River, WI. She graduated from Blue River High School in 1948 and Wisconsin State Teacher's College in Oshkosh, now UW-O, in 1952. Louise began her teaching career in elementary education in Waupaca and in 1954 was appointed to Read School in Oshkosh. From 1959 - 1961 she taught at the army base in Mainz, Germany, and returned to Oshkosh teaching at Read and Lincoln Schools. She retired in 1993.

Throughout her life, nature inspired Louise to see the beauty and wonder in everything. She encouraged others to do the same. Growing up in the Driftless Area of WI and exploring the hills provided a solid beginning. While she taught in Germany, Louise skied the Alps; experienced Lapland's midnight sun; visited and experienced the restrictions of East Berlin; wore wooden shoes and saw vast fields of Dutch tulips; listened to opera in the grand opera houses of Austria and Germany, including a Wagnar performance in Bayreuth; and toured Greece, France and other countries.

Music played an important role in Louise's life. She joined the high school band in 4th grade. She played oboe in the WI All-State Band for several years in high school, won contest metals, and sang in church choirs much of her life. Louise delighted in piano and cello concerts, loved operas, and followed favorite folk singers, Sally and Claudia (who wrote a song in her honor, "The Goods on Louise").

Teaching was her passion. She saw the best in students and encouraged them to reach their potential. Louise provided special experiences, such as having students create a playground safety movie for the school. Her students learned about sandhill cranes and the importance of protecting our planet, lessons which endure to this day. Instrumental in starting Sullivan's Woods environmental education program for Oshkosh schools, she continued her involvement well into retirement. Even in her final weeks, students, now retired themselves, visited her and sent messages. These kind gestures exemplified their impact on her life and vice versa.

Louise's lifelong commitment with Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church continued the involvement of previous generations. Some of her fondest memories included leading youth groups to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and to service and work projects in various states. She planned trips through which teens saw more of our nation's remarkable national parks and landmarks. They affectionately called her LC, a nickname which lasted the rest of her life.

Whether kayaking, skiing, planting a prairie, building bluebird boxes or watching the sunset, Louise loved nature. She read the newspaper every day and kept up on current events. She asked good questions, loved cribbage, beat cancer - thanks to the Aurora Vince Lombardi Cancer Center - and saw the best in people. She loved our country and strongly encouraged everyone to vote. Louise was a charter member of Winnebago Audubon Society, a founding member of the Winnebago Lakes Council, a Charter member of the Oshkosh Citizens Advisory Committee, a board member of CNRA, member of the Golden Titan Club, and a Packer backer.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Devermann, Zaiga & Mike, Laura & Jack, and special friends at Evergreen. We are grateful for the care provided by Aurora Health Care, AseraCare Hospice during her last six months, and the Evergreen staff for five years.

Louise is survived by nieces and nephews: Helen (Perry) Nelson; Bob (Carol) Ayers; Dan Donica (Deb Adams); John Coumbe; Mary Johnson (John Wu); Tim Coumbe; Kathy (Jeff) Horejs; and Patty Coumbe; great-nieces and nephews: Ryan, Sara, Scotty, John, Erica, Drew, Michael, Olivia, Megan, James, Lauren, Libby, Nick, Andy, Maya, Eli, Thayer, Donald, Tianna, James, David, Katharina, Brandon, Tricia and numerous great-great nieces and nephews.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents; brother Jack (Vi) Coumbe; sister Naomi (Lewis) Ayers; brother Ed Coumbe; niece The Rev. Barbara Ayers Donica; nephew Steve Coumbe; and great-nephew Christopher Ayers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Winnebago Audubon Society, PO Box 184, Oshkosh, WI 54903; Friends of Blue River, 201 Clinton St, Blue River, WI 53518; Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church, Youth Fund; or Evergreen Foundation.

Celebration of Louise's life will be held Saturday, March 14th at 1:30PM at Evergreen Worship and Performing Arts Center, 1130 North Westfield St., Oshkosh with reception to follow. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Oshkosh.