Duane (Dewey) Keith Koehler, age 91, passed away on June 15, 2023, at Bethany Skilled Nursing Facility in Waupaca, WI.
Born October 24,1931, he was the son of Walter and Elsie Koehler. He grew up in Weyauwega and graduated from Weyauwega High School in 1949. In January of 1954 he met he love of his life, Elizabeth (Liz) Reinert at Radtke’s Bowling Lanes which was the hub of activity in Weyauwega. They married in September of the same year, and had their wedding reception at the lanes to celebrate. Two years later they were blessed with a son, Keith, followed three and a half years later by a daughter, Kristine. They celebrated 68 years together.
Dewey worked for Reek Hardware in Weyauwega when the Reek boys were in service during WW2, and then at Wiesman Motors Ford Garage. He enlisted in the Army in January, 1952. He served overseas in Japan during the Korean War as a radar tech repairman and was honorably discharged in January of 1954. He worked at Wolf River Packing Company for a number of years, followed by 26 1/2 years as a District Sales Representative for Aid Association for Lutherans.
Over the years Dewey took pride in his yard and home. His easy smile, wit and hugs will be missed by many. He enjoyed woodworking and bowling, and bowled in a Channel 11 TV tournament. He was Secretary and Treasurer for many years of the Weyauwega Fremont Bowling Association. He was an avid golfer and a charter member of Weymont Run Country Club, scoring the first hole-in-one on the course. He served as Secretary and Treasurer of Oakwood Cemetery Association for a number of years. He was also a member of Arndt-Bruley American Legion Post 176 and served in all officer positions at one time or another.
He is survived by his two children, Keith (Zofia) Koehler of Lexington, VA, and Kristine (John) Knight of Cary, NC; 4 grandchildren , Katherine (Sonnet), Alexander (Jennifer) and Gregory (Casey) Koehler and Elizabeth (Andy) Greene; and two great-granddaughters, Naomi and Merritt Greene, brother and sister-in-law, Werner (Jeanine) Koehler of Appleton, and multiple beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Liz, in January of this year; his parents, Walter and Elsie; sisters and brothers-in-law Verona (Robert) Wohlt, Ardyce (Lee) DeBruin, Loraine (Leslie) Holcombe and brother Leroy (Geneva) Koehler.
It was Dewey’s wish to be cremated and have a graveside memorial service for both he and Liz at Oakwood Cemetery in Weyauwega. Service and internment will be scheduled at a later date. Special thanks to all of the excellent staff at Bethany that helped him through his final days and the years of care provided to both he and Liz.
The Lewin Funeral Home, Fremont is assisting the family with arrangements.