This memorial website was created in memory of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Paul Koehler, 55. He was born on March 2, 1959 and passed away suddenly on April 5, 2014. Paul lived and loved well, and his life touched so many in deeply profound and positive ways. Strong and gentle, Paul's generous spirit and wonderful sense of humor brought joy to everyone who had the privilege to know him. He valued his family above all and loved to spend time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Although we know he is with his friend and savior Jesus, it's hard to imagine life without him here.
We would love to hear from you, so please feel free to leave a tribute, story, or picture on this website.
Visitation:
Friends and family may visit at Lynch and Sons Funeral Home in Milford, MI, on Tuesday, April 8, from 5 to 9 pm and Wednesday, April 9, from 4 to 9 pm. The funeral home is at 404 E. Liberty St, Milford, MI.
Funeral:
A funeral service will be held at Oak Pointe Church Milford on Thursday, April 10, at 11 am. Luncheon to follow at the Koehlers' home in Milford. Oak Pointe Church Milford is located at 1250 South Hill Rd, Milford, MI.
Tributes
Leave a tributeYou were kind enough to allow me be your insurance agent for your business and personal insurance needs for many years.
I think of you every day when I look at the deck you built for me (which is still standing as strong now as it was the day you and your crew built it!!).
So sorry the Good Lord called you up at such a young age but know you were always ready for the 'call'.
I know that you know how much your family and friends love you and miss you tons and also know we will all see you again (not too soon though I hope!).
I always remember, when I was staying with you and your Family as an exchange student, seeing you in the morning getting a cup of coffee to start the day, and telling me some jokes, or even after you came home from an early jogging work out, getting a cup of coffee for a fresh wake up.
My prays are always with you and your family Paul.
Luis C.
I am afraid that I didn't get to know you well. But I can't help but feel I was well on my way. You were not hard to know because of your kindness and generosity. But maybe I did get to know you well, after all, in the beautiful legacy that you left behind. . . your children. Your two youngest boys, in particular. Kind, generous, witty, intelligent, helpful, pragmatic, Godly. There are many more equally flattering adjectives I could use to describe them, and therefore you and your amazing wife. For many years to come, people on this world will continue to get to know you through that stunning legacy you left. And we are all the better for it. Thank you.
I think of you often and pray for your healing heart. I just looked at all 184 pictures on this site and I see what a husband, father and grandfather Paul was. It is no surprise, from the day we all met at Gesu, he was all goodness. What a blessing for your family and all the harder to cope with him being gone. We never know what God has in store for us and one thing I do know is when I surrender to not knowing and trusting Divine Order, I find peace. I hope you are finding peace.
My love, Marie
We would always remember the great charisma and enthusiasm from Paul, it will always be in our heart and in our thoughts. His great love remains among us, as always has been. All my love and prays are with all of you.
With all my heart,
Luis Castro
These special days are hard. I am thinking about you and letting you know that my heart hurts for you. Praying that you will find some peace and comfort today. The missing and the ache is never going away. Hugs to you. Olaris
How precious are you and your children to God, Ellen, as you remember him with fondness and live your lives as a family now. You are in my heart and prayers.
God speed.
Paul built an awesome deck for my hot tub at my current house many years ago and its as good now as it was when new! I will think of him whenever looking at it and be sure it stands forever!
While we haven't seen each other in way too long - we talked often over the years (I was his insurance agent for a long time) and discussed family, God, careers and yes - even politics. Paul and I were a kindred spirit when it came to that.
I can hear him now and will remember always what a fantastic person and friend he was. Family and God were everything and all else paled in comparison.
What a wonderful way to live!
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Ellen and the entire family.
I can only imagine how difficult his passing is for your family and I hope you will take comfort in one another and your many beautiful memories of him as a partner, father and wonderful human being. I am so very sorry for your loss and send love to all of you.
May peace be with you and your family, Ellen.
Tara
I was so sorry to hear that Paul passed away. I was a student leader for Wilderness 43 and 44, and was so lucky to have gotten to work on the same expeditions as Paul. He's kind of a wilderness legend - many, many stories about how he always wakes up early and water boiling before the others are even awake, how he's the only parents of a student to become a (great) staff member, and it goes on. So I guess I just wanted to let you know how much Paul means to the Wilderness family, and that we're thinking of y'all. Paul's wilderness family has always got your back, just like he had ours. Much love and many prayers, Reilly
Our hearts are heavy with news of your loss. Paul was such an inspirational and dedicated man with inner strength and know-how that is rare today. Some of my fondest memories growing up are of vacationing with you all and the Novaras. Paul's love of the outdoor have been a big factor in motivating me to get my family out camping and exploring nature. He will be sorely missed; we take comfort knowing his faith was so evident in how he conducted himself in life, and hope in the same hope that does not disappoint. Mike
Paul was a truly wonderful man whom I had both the pleasure and privilege of knowing. I continue to pray for you all, so very sorry that you have to lose him so early. May the richness of your memories and his legacy be a comfort and a strength for you in the days to come. Love you all, Helen
Mark T. posted Paul and Ellen dancing at the snow ball. Paul looks serious, serious in leading, holding and protecting his wife; Ellen's face is beaming. After 35 years of marriage, she is beaming at him! Paul and Ellen together - a beaming light for Christ and all that is good. Nothing was a sacrifice when they were helping others, which was a constant.
We will never see Paul's earthly light again and that is maddeningly sad and grievous. We have the promise that we will be reunited with him in Heaven. This is the beauty of Christ, that even in death, we will live; and spend an eternity, with Him, in a beautiful place with no sorrow. Ellen, may the peace of Christ be with you. . .
All my prays from me and my family are with you. Paul was an inspirational man, he had a great attitude and courage for the things to overcome with, his great leadership made every journey very significant. During my stay in Michigan, I had the opportunity to know the Koehler's as my host Family, something that I m very thankful. As well they made me be part of all their activities, outdoor activities with the Koehler's were amazing. Im so thankful with Paul and Ellen for all what they did, and I learned a lot from them, Paul being a great father, and Ellen taking care of everything in detail. They really made me feel as being in home, and to be part of their family. Im sure Paul would continue his journey from a better place, and the only one who knows better why this things happens on this ways, is God.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Rom 15:13
With all my love to the Koehler's,
Luis Castro
Now, in a plot twist (as in the famed tale) Romeo goes on to heaven before his Juliet. But, those of us who have also loved Ellen can thank heaven that there is a great difference in this real-life love story. Because unlike Romeo and Juliet, Paul and Ellen lived and loved together many years and created a beautiful family together, each one's heart and soul sprinkled with the very best of Paul--his true love of nature, his honesty and genuine kindness. And we thank heaven for them as well.
Dear Ellen, my prayers and love are with you and yours as you grieve your loss and celebrate his life and your love.
“When he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun.”
― William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
Leave a Tribute
Gloria performed this at the Lakeland Players Theater Arts Camp this past August - just for Paul :) So proud of her.
April 27, 2007 Why We Should Build a Fort
Dear Dad, There are many reasons why we should build a fort. Building a fort would give us training as a carpenter, and we would learn to use many tools. We would learn about designing a structure and cutting trails. Another good reason to build a fort is that we can make use of some of the dead trees and logs on our property. While constructin a fort, we would get plenty of good exercise and fresh air. Having a fort out in the woods would give us an exciting place to play. If we make a fort, we could have a better time playing with our friends. We like to play cowboys, pirates, Swiss Family Robinsons, and Davy Crockett. Wouldn't you think a fort would make it easier for this kind of play? However, the best reason of all for building a fort is so that I could spend quality time with my dad. I think it would b e the most fun I have ever had to work alongside my dad to build a fort. Love you, Dad. Ben
April 27, 2007
Why We Should Build a Fort
Dear Dad,
There are many reasons why we should build a fort. Building a fort would give us training as a carpenter, and we would learn to use many tools. We would learn about designing a structure and cutting trails. Another good reason to build a fort is that we can make use of some of the dead trees and logs on our property. While constructin a fort, we would get plenty of good exercise and fresh air. Having a fort out in the woods would give us an exciting place to play. If we make a fort, we could have a better time playing with our friends. We like to play cowboys, pirates, Swiss Family Robinsons, and Davy Crockett. Wouldn't you think a fort would make it easier for this kind of play? However, the best reason of all for building a fort is so that I could spend quality time with my dad. I think it would b e the most fun I have ever had to work alongside my dad to build a fort.
Love you, Dad.
Ben