Gilbert H. Koehler was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, October 13, 2016.
“Gibby” was born on January 1, 1934 to August and Verona Koehler. He grew up on the family farm in the town of Texas, and also his grandparent’s farm in the town of Berlin. He later had his own milk route at the age of 16. He met the love of his life, Eunice at a barn dance. They were married on August 18, 1956, and built their dream home in the town of Pine River.
After his marriage, he worked for a time at Merrill Box Co. and he also worked a number of years for Kuck Road Construction on what is now I-39, and the Lincoln County Highway Dept. He then was a semi driver for Sturm Trucking. He was then self-employed as Koehler Trucking, hauling grain to Merrill, Gleason and Tomahawk feed mills, and local farmers. After retirement, he was a handyman at Kienbaum Farms.
Gibby could stir up a dance storm at any party, while playing banjo, guitar, and accordian. He also enjoyed trips to Branson, polka dancing, Brewers, Packers, the Friday fish fry, working in the garden, and keeping Eunice’s John Deere mower running smoothly. Gibby was a longtime active member of Christ Lutheran Church, and was attending almost right up until he passed.
He will be greatly missed, as he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. How the grandkids would just light up his eyes!!
Gibby is survived by daughter, Debra Koehler, Wausau, sons, Brian (Donna), DePere, and Bruce (Kim), Merrill. Also, five grandchildren, Brooke (Troy) Brandt, Soddy Daisy, TN, Derek Koehler, Merrill, Nicole (Jonathan) Busarow, Fort Wayne, IN, Justin (Jasmine) Koehler, Antioch, IL, Erin (fiance, Bret) Koehler, Green Bay, step-grandchildren Heath (Dani) Heidemann, and Heather (Jason) Wolff, both of Merrill, great-grandchildren Anders Koehler-Smith, Simon and Matthias Busarow, step great-grandchildren, Aaron Wolff, Jack Dahlstrom, Cade Heidemann, Edward Smith, Allison Wolff, sisters, Joyce (Elgard) Woller, Merrill, Margie (Charlie) Schwede, Wausau, Carol (Thomas) Wasmundt, Harshaw, brothers, Eugene (Lois), Daniel (JoAnn), August (Sandy), Bertram (Gail), Elmer (Nancy), all of Wausau, brothers-in-law, Donald (Nancy) Hussong, Wausau, Jerome (Donna) Borchardt, Watertown, sister-in-law, Virginia (Gordon) Krause, Merrill, step sister-in-law, Julie (Jerry) Revie, Wausau, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Gibby is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Eunice, brother, Virgil, sister, Nancy Hussong, brothers-in-law, Elgard Woller, Thomas Wasmundt, and Gordon Krause.
A Celebration of Life for Gilbert will be held at Waid Funeral Home. Visitation is on Thursday, October 20, 2016, from 4:00-8:00pm at Waid Funeral Home, 301 Eagle Drive, Merrill, and on Friday, October 21, 2016, from 9:00-11:00am at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1204 Sales Street, Merrill. The funeral service will follow at 11:00am with Rev. James Weiland officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, 15743 County Road FF, Town of Berlin.
Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church.