Wanda L. Cohoon

Wanda Lou Powers Shoukletovich Cohoon was born at home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois on December 28, 1935, to J. Marvin and Helen Lucille Powers. She passed away at home in Marion, Illinois, surrounded by her family, on March 14, 2026.

From an early age, Wanda’s life was filled with music. She sang duets and solos as a child and earned first chair oboe in both orchestra and band during high school. She went on to attend Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri when it was still a women’s school. In 1956 she married Milosh Shoukletovich. Together they raised three children who survive her: Susan Shoukletovich Fowler of Marion, Shawn Shoukletovich of Marion, and Mark Shoukletovich of Herrin.

As a young wife and mother, Wanda supported her husband’s ministry as he pastored churches across Southern Illinois, sharing her voice in song and her deep faith through testimony. After the family settled in Marion in 1972, they became active members of Aldersgate Methodist Church, where she passed on the importance of church community to future generations. She was a devoted supporter of her children’s activities, serving as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, PTA president, room mother, and enthusiastic cheering section for every game and performance. Her professional life included work as a bank secretary, dental assistant and office manager, and secretary to the Chief of Surgery at the VA Medical Center in Marion.

In 1981, Wanda married Charles Roy Cohoon, the love of her life, who preceded her in death in 2022. They shared 41 joyful years together, traveling, gardening, fishing, and golfing, while creating lasting memories on family beach vacations and golf tournament reunions. She cherished holiday traditions, especially Christmas, Easter, and birthdays. Wanda and Chuck were active members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in Marion, where she served as congregational secretary and choir director.

Wanda took greatest pride in her seven granddaughters—Jessica Corzine, Karon Collom, Kristen Riem, Mallory Marzano, Madison Rowland, Brittani Dadisman, and Brianna Herr—who filled her life with love. She was blessed with nine great-grandchildren who knew her as “Ga”: Cassie, Cameran, Caroline, Turner, Garrett, Chandon, Luke, Carlee, and Oakley. She warmly embraced Chuck’s children, Charlotte Reed, Judy Gallagher, and Jeanne Marsh, and treasured his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially Steven Cox. She is also survived by loving nieces and nephews, her “second daughter” Jennifer Adams, longtime neighbor Marlene Weaver, and many dear friends from Good Shepherd.