Charles William Koehler

Charles "Charlie" Koehler was born January 11, 1927. He grew up with his parents and sister, Jeanette, on the Zoar United Church of Christ grounds, situated off Highway 212, between Chaska and Cologne. Charlie's grandfather was the pastor and his parents the caretakers. He graduated from Chaska High School in 1945. After graduation he lived at home and worked as a "milk tester" for area farms. In 1948 he married his local sweetheart, Margreth Buckentine. They had two daughters, Linda and Becky, and later came a granddaughter, Kelly. Charles enlisted in the Army Air Corps from 1945-1947 and was stationed in Japan. He was very proud of being a WWII Veteran. After the service Charlie started his 38-year career as an engineer for Honeywell. He often stated, "those were the best years - I never considered it work, as I enjoyed every minute". Being a member of Peace Presbyterian Church was another big part of his life. He and Margreth often traveled with the church on work camps throughout the world and made many life long friends.

Charlie enjoyed the simple things in life. He was always ready to share a cold beer, glass of wine or ice cream with anyone that would stop by. He loved a fresh fish fry from the days catch off the shores of Lake Minnetonka or a good card game of 500 with friends (which he did just a couple weeks before he died). He was constantly putzing in his workshop (he could fix anything) or caring for his lawn - he loved mowing with his riding lawnmower. Years of camping on the weekends filled the calendar from spring to fall. He loved opening presents, saving money and getting a good deal! Charlie was an extremely loyal husband, father and grandfather. He took pride in loving and caring for his family. He never hesitated to tell his family how much he loved them and reminded them to always be kind, not only to each other but everyone. He'd say, "that's about all we can really do." And that is how he lived his life. He was the best father and grandfather and will be missed and loved forever.

Charles is survived by his daughters Linda (Rick) Kittelson, Becky Koehler; granddaughter Kelly (Mark) Holm; step grandchildren Melanie (Mike) Cords, Tracie (Jamie) Kittelson, John (Sarah) Kittelson, Jason (Jessie) Carlson, Jeff Carlson, family and friends. Also, his favorite furry friends, Charlie, Nina, Fritz, Elsie and Benny.

Please join us for a Celebration of Charlie's Life on April 9, 4 -7 pm at the Chester Bird Post #523 American Legion, 8900 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Feed My Starving Children or Kelly's Hope (https://givebutter.com/kellyshope2026)