Werner R. Koehler

Werner Ray Koehler, age 95, was born on May 28, 1929, in Weyauwega, WI, to the late Walter and Elsie (Miller) Koehler. His earthly life ended on November 15, 2024, at which time he began his eternal life with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While still in high school, he met his future wife of 75 years, Jeanine Ann Schroeder, who he married on June 11, 1949. 

Werner was baptized on June 23, 1929, and confirmed his faith on April 18, 1943, both at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Weyauwega. His confirmation verse: “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” (Pro. 23:26.)

Werner graduated from St. Peter Lutheran Grade School in 1943, Weyauwega High School in 1947, and the Milwaukee Business Institute in 1948. He lettered in three sports in high school, excelling in football, and remained a very loyal Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan. He was an accountant by education and started a 27 year career with various Ford dealerships in 1951, beginning with Wiesman Motors in Weyauwega and gradually moving to larger dealerships in New London and then the Fox Valley. While living in New London, Werner & Jeanine joined Emanuel Lutheran Church where Werner was active on the Church Council and in various positions. In New London he was also a member of the New London Country Club, serving it for many years as secretary and later as club manager on a part-time basis. While in the Fox Valley he was a pioneer of electronic accounting, installing and designing the first of its kind in the area and often providing assistance to other automotive dealers with their systems. In 1977 he left the automobile industry and began a successful 18-year career with Aid Association for Lutherans as a District Representative, earning several insurance designations from the The American College, Bryn Mawr, PA, retiring on 3/31/1995.

Werner started singing with the adult church choir while still in grade school. He loved music and sang for countless funerals, weddings, private parties and special occasions throughout his life. At retirement, he and his wife Jeanine purchased a vacation home in Sun City, AZ, where they spent their winters for 24 years. There he served as the condominium chairman in his court for 12 years, in addition to other positions. While in Sun City, he learned to play the organ for his enjoyment and served as Choir Director and soloist at his Arizona church home for over 20 years. Werner was very active and involved in family reunions and class reunions for over 50 years and maintained family tree records dating back as far as 1620.

Werner was a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Appleton, a former member of Emanuel Lutheran in New London and St. Peter Lutheran in Weyauwega, and an associate member of Our Savior Lutheran in Sun City, AZ. He served these congregations in their choirs and on many committees, boards, and as various officers. He also served on the board at Fox Valley Lutheran High School during its early years.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanine; his children, Susan (Lee) Besaw of New London, Michael (Cindy) Koehler of Menasha, Heidi (Rev. Stephen) Luchterhand of Minocqua, and Heather (Joe) Ludwig of Appleton; his grandchildren, Scarlett Koehler, Andrew (Erin) Besaw, Nick (Crystal) Besaw, Katie (Zackary) Smith, Brian (Samantha Barry) Koehler, Jill (Marquez Edmund) Koehler, Paul (Daniella) Koehler, Luke (Emily Marino) Luchterhand, Andrew (Tyler), Elizabeth, and Grace Luchterhand, Kendra (Brad) Bills, and Derek Ludwig; seventeen great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, other extended relatives, and many close friends both in Wisconsin and Arizona.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Frank and Elsie (Lueck) Schroeder; three sisters, Verona (Robert) Wohlt, Loraine (Les) Holcombe, and Ardyce (LeRoy) DeBruin; his brothers, Leroy (Geneva) and Duane (Elizabeth) Koehler; his brothers-in-law, Adam Roland, Robert (LaVerna) Schroeder; a sister-in-law, Roxanne (Douglas) Vanlandgen; and a grandson, Wayne Koehler. 

Christian funeral services for Werner will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 930 E Florida Ave, Appleton, WI 54911 with Pastor Raasch officiating. Friends may call at Mount Olive from 9 AM until the time of service. Werner will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton, WI.