John Michael Koehler, age 18, of the town of Hamburg, died on Sunday, August 5, 2018, as a result of an automobile accident in the town of Hamburg. He was born on January 6, 2000. He is the son of Bob and Cindy Koehler from the town of Hamburg. John attended and graduated from Merrill High School.
John was an avid deer hunter and looked forward to hunting with his family and friends. He had a passion for participating in tractor pulls, and was an Allis-Chalmers fan. John was looking forward to the Edgar Steam Show. He was also active in the Corning All Stars 4-H club, where he was a past vice-president for several years. John was a fun person to be around and liked to spend time with his friends, whether it was snowmobiling or just hanging out. He will be dearly missed, and his memory will live on in all those that loved him.
John is survived by his parents: Bob and Cindy Koehler of the town of Hamburg, his birth mother: Kris Adams-Blackford, sister: Alexsis Koehler, paternal grandparents: Allen (Carol) Koehler of Merrill, maternal grandfather: Richard Watroba of Gleason, half-sister: Samantha Blackford, half-brother: Jacob Blackford, aunt: Deb (Jerry) Grawien of Merrill, with their son: Andrew, uncle: Mike (Jessie) Koehler, with their children: Grace and Sophie, great aunts and uncle: Donna Kwilas, Joanne Krueger, Dick and Kathy Vandre and many other relatives and good friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother: Mary Watroba, great-grandparents: Marvin & Verna Koehler and Mike & Mary Jurek; and his great aunt and uncles: Philip Kwilas, Lavern Krueger, Ray & Betty Herdt.
Funeral services for John will be held on Friday, August 10, 2018 at 11am at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in the town of Berlin. Rev. Andrew DeGier will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 9, 2018 from 4pm-8pm at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill, and again on Friday, August 10, 2018 from 10am until the time of the service, at the church. Burial will immediately follow the service in the church cemetery.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.