Jerald Koehler

Jerald L Koehler (Jerry) passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27 at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, and daughter Andrea. He was pre-deceased by his son Todd in 1998. He is also survived by his mother (Alta), brother (Leroy) and many aunts, nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Osmond, Nebraska, Jerry started his adventures at a very early age. This quote from the local paper was a foreshadowing of things to come:”Gerald and Jerry Koehler, sons of Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Koehler and Jackie Edwards, son of Mr. & Mrs. Boyd Edwards, wandered away from home about 2 o’clock one Friday afternoon. After an unsuccessful hunt by parents and close friends, the fire department was called to search about 7pm. The trio was found ‘camping’ in the ditch on Highway 20 just east of Breslau at 8:30.” Jerry’s childhood friends from Nebraska will tell you that he always had a mischievous gleam in his eye and plans to go far. He joined King’s Dancing Club (ballroom and swing) in 1962 and was the envy of all his peers when he hit the floor! This was a passion he enjoyed his whole life and he was always available to provide instructions to those with two left feet. After completing two years of Junior College in Norfolk, Jerry was drafted into the Army in 1964. Due to his Associate of ‘Arts ‘Degree, he was assigned to a position as an Illustrator; the beginning of his artistic career. After completing his service time in Utah, Jerry migrated to Denver to join up with some Nebraska and Army friends. Through a complex series of roommate introductions, he had the good fortune to meet up with Mary Ellen who had moved from DC to Denver to pursue her nursing career. They married on February 15, 1969 and, along with several other couples born of the roommate introductions, spent many happy years in two locations in Denver. They were blessed with Andrea and Todd and built many family traditions including attending yearly 4th of July outings at Lake McCanoughy, and traveling to visit relatives in many states. Did somebody say party? The Koehlers will be there! Jerry had several different types of jobs and hobbies with the common thread being his ability to design and carry out ideas in unique ways. He loved to design with many mediums. He used plants and flowers to design enviable gardens. He could paint a picture or paint a house. His many hobbies included camping with the family, golfing with Mary Ellen, and the biggest adventure of all….fishing. He loved all kinds….deep sea fishing in Cabo, salmon and halibut fishing in Alaska and perhaps the most challenging of all – fly fishing. And what would be the common denominator of all these activities? A cold Coors Light of course! In retirement, Jerry and Mary Ellen continued to explore the States through their love of travel. They bought a 5th wheel which they used to escape the Denver winters and traveled to Padre Island adding additional weeks each year. Jerry and Mary Ellen made new friends everywhere they went. One of these new friends christened Jerry with a perfect name to describe his enthusiasm. Just call him “Zippy” because he is going to fit in all the joys of every place he visits and he is going to move fast ! He did move very quickly through our lives and touched each of us in unique ways. He will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, co-worker, neighbor. He was loved and he will be missed. In lieu of flowers, you might consider a donation to Reel Recovery. This is a non profit organization that organizes fishing retreats for men who are cancer survivors or currently dealing with cancer treatment. Jerry was able to participate in September of 2012 and it was a wonderful experience for him. Website: Reelrecovery.org :: 160 Brookside Rd, Needham, MA 02492 Accommodation information for out of town guests- Hotels near Mary Ellen- Springhill Suites, 6845 West 103rd Ave. Westminster, CO 80021 – 303-464-1999 LaQuinta Inn & Suites, 10179 Church Ranch Way Westminster, CO 80020 – 303-438-5800 Drury Inn, 10393 Reed St. Westminster, CO 80021 – 303-460-1220