Barbara Beth Kohler

1952 - 2021

Barbara Beth Kohler

Mansfield - Barbara Beth Kohler of Mansfield, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at OSU Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. This world lost a wonderful person but Heaven gained one of it's brightest angels and she is now walking with her beloved husband, Bill, on the streets of gold.

Born September 14, 1952, in Mansfield, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Cornelia (Krstich) Bogner. A force of nature from the very beginning, Barb's life was exciting and filled with lots of laughter. She commanded a room when she entered and her smile and laugh will forever be remembered by those who knew her. Barb had a larger than life personality and enthusiasm that was infectious. She graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1970, received her LPN certification from North Central Technical College, and her Bachelor degree in Nursing from the University of California-Berkeley. She gave the biggest and best hugs and was a very affectionate, caring woman. Her generous and loving demeanor fit perfectly with her chosen career of nursing which spanned several decades. Barb retired from Third Street Clinic and had previously worked for Mansfield General Hospital and several local physicians including: Dr. Banko, Dr. Adair and Dr. Padival. Many people benefited from the excellent care given with the utmost professionalism Barb provided.

Barb was active throughout the community. She was a lifelong member of the Apostolic faith and member of Ontario Christian Fellowship. At church, she was involved in many activities including funeral luncheons, church activities, Vacation Bible School, community Bible Study Leader, and organizer of events too numerous to mention. She volunteered so many hours to the community and her church, one wondered where her energy came from and how she could pack so much into so little time. Barb also was a certified CPR instructor, teaching at the YMCA and passing along this piece of lifesaving education to many. Barb never stopped learning for a moment in her life. She was an avid reader, using not just the local libraries but also traveling to Columbus on a regular basis to have access to a wider selection of materials. She enjoyed traveling and made friends in every location she visited.

Barb lived on the same street for over 62 years. First with her parents and then she and her husband, Bill, bought a home just two doors away. Family was THE most important part of Barb's life. Her nurturing personality made her an amazing and near perfect wife and mother. Even when she held the fort down during her husband's multiple deployments, she took everything in stride. She was a great mom, but an even more spectacular "Baka" to her two grandchildren. Being blessed to be a mother and grandmother was one of her greatest joys and she was an "honorary" grandmother to so many other children she babysat over the years. During her daughters' younger years, she was a soccer mom, classroom volunteer and had the house everyone enjoyed coming to visit. Barb was an incredible baker and had many volunteers willing to check out her cooking. She was a staunch Democratic party advocate-much to the chagrin of her husband. Barb's legacy of love, fun, service, Christian values, and gratitude along with the example of living every moment to the fullest will be treasured forever.

Barb is survived by her two daughters, Sophie Kohler (Chad Kyle) and Sara (Ryan) Watson; two adorable grandchildren, Cornelia and William Watson; a sister, Debbie Wisenbarger; a brother, John Bogner; many nieces and nephews; and a treasure trove of friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" H. Kohler on December 20, 2020; parents; and brother, Harold Bogner, Jr.

A celebration of the exceptional lives of Barb and Bill will be held at a future date. She will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery along with her husband. The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.wappner.com