Robert Wendell Koehler

Robert W. Koehler of Normal passed this week on September 28 at Bromenn Medical Center. He was born February 24, 1927 to Robert Koehler and Mildred Cartigny Koehler in Dubuque, Iowa. He later moved to Normal in 1961 with his wife Morene Bakken Koehler. Morene was his wife of 65 years and they had two children together, Robert and Lori. His major passions included his family, his career as a wrestling coach, his service as a Marine, and traveling with his beloved wife. As a Marine he heroically served our country during WWII. As a wrestling coach, his career has earned him induction in to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, (Illinois Chapter,) among many other accolades. He was a proud member of the National Olympic Committee. Robert also belonged to many professional and fraternal organizations including the Masons, the Illinois Wresting Coaches and Officials Association, the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance as Past-President and retiree, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and the China Marine Association.

Robert is survived by his wife Morene, son Robert K. (Sheri) Koehler of Chicago, IL, daughter Lori Koehler-Brown of Normal, IL, granddaughter Rhiannon Koehler of Los Angeles, CA, grandson Liam Koehler of Chicago, IL, granddaughter Erin (John) Brown of Normal, IL, and great grandchildren Layla and Jaxon both of Normal, IL.

A visitation will be held at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington, on Friday, October 2st, at 10am. There will be full military honors included.

Memorial contributions can be made Robert’s honor to the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association or the American Heart Association.

Please visit eastlawn-bloomington.com to leave condolences for the family.