Kay F. Van Coutren

Kay F. Van Coutren, 74, of Winamac, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, May 7, following a hard-fought battle with cancer. 

She was born on Aug. 9, 1950 in Lafayette, to the late Verlin Kneisley “Hap” and Beaulah Mazie (McCurry) Toumine. Kay graduated from Winamac High School in 1968. On July 29, 1972 in St. Louis, Missouri, she married the love of her life, Tom Van Coutren.

Kay worked at Eaton Controls in Winamac for many years before becoming a florist and opening her dream business, Kay’s Flowers & Gifts. After retiring from the flower shop, Kay worked at Pearl Street Market for 20 years before retiring again. Kay was a Life Member of the Winamac VFW Auxiliary Post #1728. She cherished spending time with her family and friends. Kay enjoyed trading jokes and funny stories – she loved to laugh and make others laugh! She appreciated sharing good food and music with those she loved most.

She is survived by husband Tom Van Coutren; sons: Sean [wife: Carrie] Van Coutren and Bryan [wife: Kerry] Van Coutren; four grandchildren: MacKenzie, Alex, Ashton, and Aubree; brothers: Harold [wife: Darcy] Toumine and Gerald [wife: Debra] Toumine; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents: Verlin Kneisley “Hap” and Beaulah Mazie (McCurry) Toumine; brother Sgt. James Verlin Toumine, US Army; sisters: Mary Lou [husband: John] Antrim and Elsie Faye O’Donnell; nephew James Verlin Toumine II; and beloved Yorkie, Katy Lou. 

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., on Friday, May 16 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, May 17 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Cremation will take place at Frain Crematory in Winamac following services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice or Winamac VFW Auxiliary Post #1728.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.  

(Pulaski County Journal — May 14, 2025)