John Koehler

Koehler, John Terry, 66, January 16, 1947 to October 10, 2013, from Beverly Hills, MI, and Celebration, FL.
Beloved husband of Diane; loving father of Gwendolyn Koehler and Heather Darton Case; stepfather of Charlie Silvia and Jonathan Heather Tallinger; proud grandfather to Taryn, Delaney, Ava, Teddy, Cameron and Tommy; dear brother to Jeffry Kendra; brother-in-law to RoseAnne Michael Bigley and Paul Kosmal; uncle to Barry, Caroline, Sean, Jack, Jarek, and Brenna; and dear son of the late John and Marilyn. Terry Koehler was an adventurous man who loved life. Born in Elyria, Ohio, he was raised in Van Nuys, California, with his brother Jeff and parents John and Marilyn. He learned to speak French and German while in boarding school in Lausanne, Switzerland. He travelled extensively in Europe before returning to the U.S. to study math at Oakland University. He was a member of the first swim team at OU and held several school records. He began teaching mathematics at Lahser High School where he was an avid Class Sponsor, Chess Club sponsor, swim coach and intramural basketball coach. He was beloved by students and faculty. Terry was drafted into the Army in 1967, and was stationed in Germany. On his return home, he joined the Michigan National Guard becoming an Airborne Ranger, completing over 125 jumps. He became a Pathfinder and Jumpmaster, and was Commander of Company F, 425 Infantry, from 1985-1988, before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1997. He will be buried with full-military honors at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Terry was a fun-filled and adventurous man. Prior to a ski accident, he was an avid runner, biker and swimmer. He had a profound interest in genealogy and enjoyed computers. He was married to his wife, Diane, for over 21 years. They shared a deep, abiding love. Terry loved his family and especially enjoyed visits from his grandchildren. Visitation Monday October 14 th from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service 3:00 p.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W 11 Mile Rd. 4 blks. E of Woodward, Royal Oak. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be gifted to The Michigan Spinal Cord Injury Association. www.mispinalcord.org.