Carl D. Koehler

Carl Donald Koehler, 91, of Hanover, KS, passed away at Hanover Hospital Long Term Care on March 17th, 2020 after a long illness. Visitation was Friday, March 20, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Hanover Mortuary. A vigil was held at St. John’s Catholic Church, Hanover, Kansas, Saturday, March 21, 2020. Mass of Christian Burial was at St. John’s Catholic Church, Saturday, March 21, 2020 with Father Joseph Kieffer officiating. The organist was Janet Fritschi and the hymns were “Peace is Flowing Like a River,” “On Eagles Wings,” “Softly and Tender” and “Here I Am Lord.” Pallbearers were Casey Koehler, Cody Koehler, Tom Kruse, Trisha Vetsch, Jerod Kruse and Ryan Kruse. Burial was in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Hanover, Kansas. Military Honors were provided by the Hanover Legion Post 306. Carl was born March 28, 1928 the youngest of 5 children to Louis and Emma (Wetter) Koehler. He attended Sunny Side District 99 country school for 8 years. He was drafted & inducted into the US Army in March 1951, serving his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in December 1952 from Fort Carson, Colorado. He returned home to the farming operation with his father and brothers. He worked for many farmers in the area and went to the Goodland area in western Kansas to help with harvest for his uncles. On May 26, 1952 he married Maxine Gudenkauf at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca KS. They made their home 5 miles southwest of Hanover. Together they began 60+ years of livestock & grain farming. To this union was born a daughter Patricia Ann and a son Donald Joseph, also a stillborn child in 1963. In July 1960, they purchased the family farm and retired from the farm in June 2013 and moved to their present home in Hanover. Carl was an active member of St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and a 68 year member of the Hanover American Legion. He also volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Carl was awarded the Salina Diocesan Century Farm Award and the Kansas Department of Agriculture Century Farm Award as the farm has been owned and operated by 5 generations of Koehlers for more than 100 years and continues to carry on with his Grandson and family now caring for the land he so dearly loved. Carl loved to hunt and work the land, as well as raising cattle and meeting his friends at the Sale Barn for pie & coffee. He enjoyed spending time with family attending the many activities and sporting events of his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids and getting together with his nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his Parents Louis & Emma (Wetter) Koehler, Sisters: Lillian Bruna (1995); Emma Bruna (2002) Brothers: Joseph W Koehler (1969) and Louis J. Koehler (1975). Brothers-in-law: Tony Bruna, Sylvester Bruna, Robert Gudenkauf, Harold Mitchell and Shirl Cleland Sister-in-law: Charlene Koehler. He is survived by his wife of the home; Children: Pat (Mel) Kruse of Bremen, Don (Sue) Koehler of Marysville. Grandchildren: Ryan (Amber) Kruse, Manhattan, Jerod (Kristin) Kruse, Norwalk, OH, Trisha (Steve) Vetsch, Ozawakie, Tom (Jess) Kruse of DeSoto, Cody (Sarah) Koehler, Hanover and Casey (Jessica) Koehler, Goodland. He enjoyed special love from his 20 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Marie Cleland, JoAnn Mitchell, Betty (Mark) Hermesch of Seneca; Vivian (Jim) Martin of Hanover; Barb Gudenkauf, Sabetha; Gene & Erika Gudenkauf of Radcliff, KY; and Janell (Frank) Niehues of Corning; many nieces, nephews and friendships spanning his 90+ years. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of the Hanover Mortuary. Rosary and Funeral of Carl Koehler To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carl D. Koehler, please visit our flower store.