Harold E. “Hal” Koehler, 85

Harold E. “Hal” Koehler, 85 of Ashland, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017 in the Kingston of Ashland.

He was born May 15, 1932 in Sandusky to the late George R. and Emilia O. (Pigorsch) Koehler.

Hal graduated from Sandusky High School, Class of 1950. Following his graduation, Hal went on to earn a degree from Capitol University in 1955.

He married the former, Mary Ann Hanes on November 10, 1956.

Later, Hal would graduate from the Lutheran Theological Seminary and was ordained into the ministry at Puritas Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

During his years as a minister, Pastor Koehler served congregations at Emmanuel Lutheran in Elkport, Iowa, Bethesda Lutheran in Moorhead, Iowa, Christ Lutheran in Struthers, Ohio and Peace Lutheran in Ashland, Ohio.
After a career change in 1979, Hal worked at National Latex and then Liqui-Box, retiring in 2002.

Hal was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir, working with the church youth in the Bible Bowl, and sharing his experience, hope and faith with others throughout the community.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ann Koehler of Ashland; children, Hal (Bill Caynon) Koehler of Wooster; Annette (Rick) Hagy of Springfield, Virginia and Mark Koehler of Ashland; grandchildren, Trey Hagy, Aaron (Amber) Hagy, Hannah Hagy; and a great-grandson, Asher Hagy.

Hal is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held, Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. in the Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 with Reverend Eric Riesen officiating. Friends may call two hours prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the church. A meal and time of fellowship will follow the service in Jack’s Place of the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805.

For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.

Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.