| Graduation Year | Class of 1963 |
| Date of Passing | Jun 16, 2016 |
| About | EAU CLAIRE — Michael G. Koehler, 71, of Eau Claire passed away Thursday, June 16, 2016, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems Hospital in Eau Claire, surrounded by his wife and three children. Mike was born May 1, 1945, in Menomonie, a son of Raymond H. and Wilma A. (Hagen) Koehler. He attended Menomonie High School, where he participated in sports and was proud to be a “Class of 1963 Menomonie Indian.” Mike graduated from Minnesota School of Business with a degree in business administration and law in 1965. Mike married Dianna L. Larrabee Sept. 4, 1965, in Menomonie, at Little Elk Creek Church. They made their home in Eau Claire, and raised three children. He served in the Wisconsin National Guard from 1965 to 1971. Mike felt privileged to work for Benefit Plan Administration of Wisconsin, as a payroll auditor for 40 years, before retiring in 2014. Mike was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church since 1969. He served on the board, church council, several building projects committees, and also ushered for 44 years. Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing and cutting wood, but he mostly enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren. His faith and family came first. His faith stayed strong during his battle with cancer and during the last seven months with his wife’s health crisis. He always said, “It’s all in God’s hands.” Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dianna; three children, Michelle (Jon) Creen of River Falls, Brent (Kellee) Koehler of Chippewa Falls, and Stephanie (Justin) Hepfler of Roberts; 11 grandchildren, Jared and Emma Creen, Amy and Shylo Koehler and Abigail, Kaylee, Gabrielle, Caitlyn, Annabelle, Elizabeth and Johannah Hepfler; sister, Nancy (Larry) Larson of Woodville; sister-in-law, Carla (Frank) Engeldinger of Niceville, Fla.; and also by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Bradley; and a dear nephew, Gregory Larson. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 23, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 3307 State St., in Eau Claire, with Pastor Herbert H. Prahl officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., in Eau Claire, and again one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church. Interment will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Menomonie. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church-Building Fund. For online condolences, please visit www.lenmarkfh.com. |
