Graveside services for Wilton Russell Koehler, 87, Baldwin City, will be 2 p.m. Monday at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Mr. Koehler died Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at Baldwin Healthcare & Rehabilitation.
He was born May 29, 1930, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Russell and Elizabeth Foley Koehler. He grew up in Camas, Washington, where he graduated high school, worked at a paper mill, and as a logger, before entering the United States Air Force.
Mr. Koehler enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 and was discharged in 1954 as a Private First Class. He earned a National Defense Metal and a Good Conduct Metal.
After his military career he worked at Reuter Organ Company in Lawrence for 22 years. He later worked as a carpenter for the Lawrence School District until his retirement. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and having projects to work on.
He married Katherine A. Wingert in Lawrence, in 1953. They celebrated 64 years together. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include sons, Gary Koehler and wife Kandie of Baldwin City, Kansas, Ricky Koehler and wife Shari of Lawrence, Kansas; grandchildren, Dustin, Gerie, Garrett, Brett; and a great grandson, Fox.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Wayne Koehler of Bremerton, Washington; and a sister, Carolyn Scholl of Bakersfield, California.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association, sent in care of the funeral home.
My condolences for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers.
Gary & Family, Our thoughts & prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss. Clayton Funk, Dennis Rannebeck, Robert Hughes & Robin Wadkins.
Ricky, seen this sad news in the paper, sorry for the loss of your father . May he R.I.P
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to family and friends. May all of your good memories be greater than your sadness during this difficult time. (Isaiah 25:8)
Gary, our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you and your family.
Rick, Shari, Garrett and Brett, We’re sorry to hear about the loss of your dad/granddad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. From Kevin & Connie
Rick, Shari, Garrett & Bret, We’re very sorry for the loss of your father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He sounded like a very busy man, and I imagine Rick inherited his love of always having projects to work on from him. We’ll be thinking about you all especially these next several days