Joseph Nathan Coughlan (Quamme), age 66 died on January 22nd, 2026 in Reno, NV. He died of organ failure as a complication of cancer. Joseph was born December 26th, 1959 in Madison, WI to Mabel Quamme (nee Smith) and John Coughlan of Madison, WI.  Joseph took his biological father’s last name of Coughlan later in life.  Joseph served in the Navy. Joseph was married to his first wife Cindy and had no children with her. Joseph had his first child with Carol in the 1980s, Rachel. Joseph lost his custody and visitation of Rachel when she was 5 years old and the court granted an order of protection due to child sexual abuse. Joseph remarried and had two sons in the 1990s. Joseph was later divorced. Rachel got to know her half-brothers despite mutual estrangement from Joseph through the kindness of Joseph’s second wife. Joseph worked some Madison based in food factories over the years. He traveled the county working for a carnival later in life. He spent the final chapter of his life in Reno, Nevada with a roommate he met working on the carnival circuit. 

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents. 

Joseph leaves behind an unknown amount of victims of childhood sexual abuse.  A large amount of accusations were reported to child protection and law enforcement starting in 1977. In honor of the victims and in order to bring closure, his ashes will be returned to his children. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Rape Crisis Center of Madison, WI.  

If you were a victim of Joseph Coughlan, please know his daughter expresses her deepest sorrows for the impact that experience has had on your life. Joseph himself was a victim of childhood sexual abuse, most likely by someone he trusted who had access to him as a child. Please stop the cycle of abuse. Monsters thrive in darkness and wither in the light. 

Joseph has additional family in Wisconsin with additional information about his life. Additional surviving relatives not included here out of respect for their experience. 

Free, confidential help is available through the Rape Crisis Center of Dane County at (608) 251-7273.

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