Marilyn Kohler

WAPAKONETA -- Marilyn S. "Susie" Kohler, 87, of Wapakoneta, Ohio, passed away at 4:21 p.m., Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Wapakoneta Manor following a brief illness.

She was born on July 12, 1936 in Wapakoneta to Edward and Wilma (Geyer) Reineke who preceded her in death. On October 29, 1955 she married Edward E. Kohler and he passed away on May 18, 1990.

Survivors include 4 children, Brad (Renee) Kohler of Wapakoneta, Kent Kohler of Austin, TX, Wendy (Scott) Fetter of Wooster, OH, Blaine (Kara) Kohler of Wapakoneta; 10 grandchildren; 5 step grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren with the next one due on Great-grandma's birthday (July 12); 1 sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Ed Conkle of Naples, FL, sisters-in-law, Hannah Kohler and Bea Reineke, both of Wapakoneta; and many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

Besides her husband of almost 35 years, Susie was preceded in death by one daughter, Bonnie Kohler, who died December 14, 1989, her two brothers, James Reineke and Ed Reineke, and her special friend, Tom Camper.

Susie graduated from Blume High School in 1954 and has never missed a class reunion. She has kept in touch with friends for decades and has enjoyed the McDonald's Coffee Club in recent years.

When first married, Ed and Susie lived downtown Wapak above the Kings' catering business. They later raised their children on the corner of Benton and Broadway Streets along with wonderful friends and neighbors.

Susie was Dudley Schuler's first employee at his business, Dudley's Florist and Gifts, and often talked about how much she enjoyed it.

With five children at home, Susie went back to school to earn her LPN training and graduated from Apollo Career Center with its first graduating class from the LPN nursing program. She then took a job at Auglaize Acres and later worked as a private-duty nurse.

Susie loved fast food, thrifting, crafting, and a great milkshake. She had a massive sweet tooth and especially enjoyed chocolate-covered cherries.

Susie dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and has left them with many fun and unique memories. Grandma Susie was always up for an adventure.

The family would like to thank St. Rita's Hospice, Wapakoneta Manor, and Susie's "Reineke nieces" who were very attentive to her for many years.

Funeral services will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Scott A. Fetter officiating. Family and friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date at Greenlawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Mercy Unlimited and St. Rita's Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schlosserfuneralhome.com.