Richard A. “Dick” Koehler, born October 16, 1944, died November 30, 2024 at Colonial Nursing and Rehab, after a rapid decline in health. He was 80 years old.

He was married to Maradele Lynn Koehler (nee Bowers) in 2018, who he spoke of as “the love of his life, who taught him what true love really is.” Though married only six years, their love spanned decades. They enjoyed visiting local restaurants, watching favorite television shows such as “Mollie B Polka Party” and caring for Bella, their dear cat.

Growing up in Roseland, he graduated from Fenger High School and began working at International Harvester West Pullman Works. He married Corinne Kutschke in 1965, whom he knew from childhood. They raised four children. Janet Kopischke (Tim), Carol Bollacker (Bob), Don Koehler (Haley) and Martha Hampton (David).  As a young family they enjoyed camping, square dancing, annual trips to “the Farm” and an active life at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Riverdale, IL.

He married his second wife Gail in 1990. She preceded him in death in 2015. Together they pursued a joy for bowling and fishing, especially their annual summer trip to Canada to catch his favorite walleye.  They also enjoyed years of travel together, including many trips to Disney World, sites in Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico and taking cruises, the highlight being the trip across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2.

Over the years Dick worked for Lutheran Brotherhood (Thrivent), Continental Midland, RP Weiner, and Hesel-Jepperson from which he retired in 2017. He was known for his uncanny memory and knack for different supply parts.

He was also a faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran, South Holland, and Griffith Lutheran, Griffith, IN, where he served as a council member, worship leader, and choir member.

In addition to Maradele; and his children; Dick leaves behind his grandchildren, Amanda Ferguson (Joe), Jessica Sunderhaus (Tommy), Brian Kopischke, Kevin Kopishcke, Rachel Hampton, Jennifer Koehler, Matthew Hampton, Carly Koehler; sister, Nancy Behling (Warren); brother-in law, Brian Corajod (Cheryl), and sister-in-law, Pam Dubish (Perry); nephews and nieces, Bryan McCray, Greta (Chris) Bush, Genelle Kidd (Bill), Jonathon Behling, Cynthia (Al) Busha, Paul Behling (Karen), Jeffrey Corajod (Kalli), Jennifer Webb (Garrett), and Gregory Dubish (Katherine); and extended step family, Sherry (Brian) Sonnoveld, Sandra Moore (Patrick), Brianna, William and Thomas.

​Dick will also be remembered for his engaging personality and love of a good ‘Dad’ joke, his love for the Bears, and watching Jeopardy every day.

In addition to his second wife, Dick was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy Koehler and Grace S. Koehler; sister, Kay Beth Kiger (Don); and his mother-in law and father-in law, Ken and Ruth Corajod.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Griffith Lutheran Church 1000 N. Broad St. Griffith, IN with Pastor Miriam Schmidle officiating.  Interment will be private.  Visitation will be on Friday, December 6, 2024 at KISH FUNERAL HOME 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the 10:30 a.m. service.