Charles D. Coburn DDS, 82 of Valparaiso passed away peacefully on June 18, 2024 at home with his loving wife Carol by his side. He was born December 10, 1941 to Charles and Viola (Salrin) Coburn of Medaryville, Indiana. After graduating from Medaryville High School where he was class President for 3 years and star athlete in Baseball and Basketball Chuck (Putt) went on to Indiana University Bloomington where he received his BS and then to Indiana School of Dentistry Indianapolis. He practiced his Family Dentistry in Merrillville for 45 years. His patients and staff were like Family to him. His nickname Putt was given to him as a youngster when his father was selling John Deere and he used to sit on the tractors and go Putt, Putt. He was a member of Medaryville Methodist Church and United Methodist Church of Crown Point. He was an avid athlete, enjoying and competing in golf, tennis, biking, did the Chicago Marathon, skied the American Birkebeiner, back country skied and white water rafting. His family had many incredible celebrations together with his mom's delicious meals and conversations. His dedication to his profession and love for his family and community will be missed as his legacy continues to live on. He taught his kids to ski, to love the mountains and was their biggest fan and advocate as they played their sports. Dr. Coburn’s passion for IU and IU basketball was immeasurable, holding season tickets for 46 years and was inducted into the Presidents Club last year. On December 17, 1994 he married the love of his life Carol at the Chapel on the campus of IU. Soulmates in the true sense of the word. Along with Carol, survivors are Kristen (Jon) Bowers, Andy Coburn, Jason Coburn, Connie Kratzenberg (Mark) Rich Kratzenberg (Pam) , Sondra (Scot) Edwards, Marsha Coburn, nieces and spouses. Grandchildren, Owen and Jack Bowers, Emily and Sam Kratzenberg, Cameron and Charles Coburn and many family members and friends. Dr. Coburn was preceded in death by Charles and Viola Coburn, Dawne Kratzenberg and many people who he loved dearly.
Per Dr. Coburn's wishes there will be no formal services at this time. Memorial donations may be made to the IU School of Dentistry or VNA Hospice of Valparaiso.
GUESTBOOK
Thanks for all the memories and support you are definitely one in a million and this old world won’t be the same without you the lord just gained a great angel fly high (putt) love you. -Mark (mudcat ) stubbs
I have many fond memories of playing basketball with Putt at his backyard court in Medaryville. He was a skilled athlete but an all around good guy who always treated me (2 years younger) as an equal on and off the court. -Dick Kruger
We have wonderful memories of Chuck at family gatherings in Chicago, celebrating birthdays and graduations and holidays. We will dearly miss you. You are in our hearts forever. -Jon and Sharon Bowers
He was my long time dentist since I was 8 I talk about he was best dentist ever I was scared of dentist but he made me feel comfortable was wondering about him and looked him up I am so sorry about families loss, -Judy Evans
