Marian Klein Koehler

1930 - 2017

Koehler, Marian Klein,

passed away peacefully on May 8, 2017 at the age of 87 years.

She is survived by her children: Julie Bowles and Holly Cooper (Robin) of Louisville, Barry Koehler (Eva) of Salt Lake City, UT; a sister, Joyce Gregory (Mel) of Atlanta, brothers, Karl Klein (Julianna) and Jules Klein (Bessie) of Crestwood, KY; five grandchildren: Chelsea Bowles of Manchester UK, Emily Bowles of Fonda NY, Robbie Cooper of Louisville, Duncan Cooper of Lexington and Andrea Koehler of Salt Lake City; and her former husband, Robert Koehler of Louisville.

Marian was born in PeWee Valley, KY to Theodore and Martha Lee Klein on January 19, 1930. She studied graphic design at University of Cincinnati. She was the first woman staff photographer at the Louisville Courier Journal from 1956-58. From 1958 onward, her passion became her career which was photographing children in outdoor settings on a free lance basis. Her goal was to make a child's portrait interesting to someone besides their parents. Her work has been recognized by various professional awards and numerous exhibits. Commercial projects included Clore & Duncan Real Estate, Actor's Theater of Louisville, Kentucky Educational Television and various others.

She was instrumental in preserving her parent's home and gardens, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, as the area's first botanical and educational garden. She served on the board of the Oldham County Historical Society and was active with the Oldham County Civic Center. She was passionate about traveling, nature, and meeting people; forever observing the world through a camera lens.

A memorial service is being planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, PO Box 1334, Crestwood, KY 40014. The family would like to thank the staff of the Forum at Brookside for their exceptional care and compassion.