ForeverMissed
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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.  


 

April 11
April 11
I think of you quite often and as always, you are in my prayers. You were a good friend and a very moral and ethical man. I miss you.
March 2
March 2
Miss you Paul. It's mind boggling how 1971 flew to 2024 so fast. I enjoyed being your friend, co-worker for a while at the H.S. If I hadn't moved to Texas in 1980 I would have loved to have had the opportunity to meet your children. We all have an expiration date, I'm so sorry yours came so quickly. You live on in my memory, my thoughts and prayers. You were an integral part of my formative years and I'm a better person for that. Please help and guide me to continue down the path of righteousness so that one day we shall surely meet again.
March 17, 2023
March 17, 2023
Happy Birthday my good friend!! Think of you quite often, always great memories. I sure miss not living in Michigan and having moved to Texas when I was only 21 years old I had to make all new friends. That said, nothing ever came close to my pals in Detroit. If I had stayed it would've been an entirely different life....but that's life!
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023
Happy Birthday Paul. I had to wait a while but I finally got a grandchild in 2022. Now we're both grand dads! What an awesome feeling holding a grandbaby, now i know how proud you were. Thinking back to when you and I were 12 years old we knew that day would come but we thought grandpa's were "old". Hah!!! What did we know, we're not old we're just experienced. Miss you pal.
March 2, 2022
March 2, 2022
Happy Birthday Paul! You'd be 63 today, just like me! You became a part of my life so long ago, at least 50 years I think. I recall elementary school football, then you turned into the incredible Hulk in High School! Hanging out at the corner of Wildemere and Clarita was so much fun. I can't recall who I went with to my first concert at Pine Knob because it was a group, but it probably included you. We probably packed 12 people into a station wagon, I don't remember. But all my memories of you are good ones for sure. Almost forgot, working at Immaculata H.S. School was pretty cool as well.  Miss you Paul, still think of you often.
April 5, 2021
April 5, 2021
Ellen ~ Thinking of you and your beautiful family! I took a look at the photos and love all of them -- the wedding pictures are lovely. So sorry about your loss and pray that the wonderful memories sustain you. Also, I know the Lord has his hand on you through these many years. XOXOXO - Tierney from home school days
March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021
Happy Birthday Paul! We go way back to 1974 as Freshmen at CC and then kept seeing each other at the YMCA in Royal Oak.
You 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!).
March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021
Happy birthday Paul. I still think of you quite a bit, probably every single time I hear about Immaculata H.S. That said, since I am a facebook friend of an Immaculata HS facebook page, so that is OFTEN! I am 62 years old, you would've been 62 today. It pains me to think that I have had 7 extra years to love, work and play than you had but I know that you are at peace and still loved by so many fiends and family, and we all know that the Koehler family is HUGE! I hope Ellen has found some peace, I pray for her as well. Thanks for everything buddy, still miss you.
April 5, 2020
April 5, 2020
What a great guy you were. My memories of you go all the way back to around 1970! You were always the biggest kid on the playground but never a bully. Always a friend, tremendously hard worker. Miss you pal.
March 2, 2020
March 2, 2020
Paul, we met when we were about 11, so I guess it's been about 50 years now! I cannot believe how fast the time has gone, as cliche as that sounds. You were always the biggest and the strongest, but your heart was just as big. After all these years I still fondly remember hanging out with you and our friends at Wildemere and Clarita, concerts when we got our drivers licenses and working at the school together. Miss you buddy.
April 5, 2019
April 5, 2019
Always smiling, always cheerful, always welcoming. Thank you for the difference you made in the lives of all who knew you, Paul. You truly lived as the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
March 3, 2019
March 3, 2019
Miss you Paul. Hard to believe my memories of you go all the way back over 47 years! Many great memories, from parties on a summer Saturday night, Concerts at pine knob, working at Immaculata HS. Miss you bud, I'll see again one day.
April 5, 2018
April 5, 2018
We lost touch as adults Paul, me moving to Texas in August, 1980 to get married, but oh what times we had! From Gesu elementary and in high school. We may have been rivals so to speak in H.S., you going to Catholic Central HS and all, and me, U of D HS, but that never mattered. I think we went to our first concerts together at Pine Knob and we worked together at Immaculata HS by your childhood home for a long time, until your little bro Brian took over for you because football was taking up too much time. We ran in the same crowd for at least 8 or 9 years. And, if your kids didn't know, you were a BEAST on the football field! Always the biggest of us all, even those of us one year older than you, like me. I miss you very much, you were a HUGE part of my childhood and early adulthood. You were and remain, a very good man.  Andy Stevens
April 5, 2018
April 5, 2018
Dear Ellen ~ I pray for you and your family today, may you have abounding peace, joy and hope as you remember Paul. He was a wonderful person and he is truly missed by all who knew him. I send you and the kids a big and warm hug.
April 5, 2018
April 5, 2018
Thanks God for Paul and his loving, kindness in his every encounter. He truly was the hands and feet of our dearly beloved savior, Jesus Christ.
March 2, 2018
March 2, 2018
Remembering Paul, a mighty man of God who brought light into the world everywhere he went.
April 5, 2017
April 5, 2017
Ellen - Thinking about you and your family today. I know you still miss Paul so very much. Love, hugs, and kisses, Karen
April 5, 2017
April 5, 2017
I remember holiday surprises showing up at our door. I know Paul and his little elves were busy sharing the joy of the season. Thank you for always setting a good example and showing us how to love one another.
March 3, 2017
March 3, 2017
Dear Paul,

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.
March 2, 2017
March 2, 2017
Dear Paul,

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.
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
I am so sorry to see that Paul passed away. I worked for him from age 17 to 19 while I was in college. It was my first real job and he was a tough but fair boss. In fact what brought me to this site is that I wanted to show my own son my first boss as I was telling him how cool he was. I will never forget him generously giving me an unexpected Christmas bonus at a lunch with the crew. It sure made me feel grown up to get an envelope like the rest of the guys.  I hope that his family can take solice in knowing that he isn't forgotten and that he made an impact on so many.
April 5, 2016
April 5, 2016
Everywhere he went, he brought a smile. As I remember Paul today, I smile because his love for life and joy were so contagious and he would want us to pass it on.
April 5, 2016
April 5, 2016
Dear Ellen! My heart hurts for you and I wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today. I pray that you will indulge in some quiet time remembering the great guy Paul was and the wonderful times you had together and the undying memories you made together. God's peace to you! Regina
March 2, 2016
March 2, 2016
Dear Ellen

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
March 2, 2016
March 2, 2016
Dear Ellen and Family,
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
March 2, 2016
March 2, 2016
With each passing year, may you draw comfort from the Lord and peace in remembering the joy that Paul brought to you and your whole family. His beautiful carpentry work speaks in mute testimony of the excellence in his craft and the compassion in building an accessible wing in the home of our friend's dear mother. God bless all of you!
March 2, 2016
March 2, 2016
Dear Ellen and family!
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
April 6, 2015
April 6, 2015
Ellen, what an excellent husband you must have had. I only met him a couple of times, but I have heard such glowing reports from two of his past remodeling customers. Both families spoke of his exceptional attention to detail and compassion for them as his team worked on their homes. Everyone that knew him, loved him.

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.
January 8, 2015
January 8, 2015
I was so, so sorry to hear the sad news about Paul. We graduated from CC together and saw each other often at the YMCA in Royal Oak after that (he, of course, leaving when I was just getting there - always the early riser!).
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.
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2014
I just found out about Paul's passing this week. I've lived in Texas since 1980 but I grew up with Paul, Ellen as well. I don't know their children and they don't know me, but I know a Paul they've never met. Paul, who would one day became a father and Husband and businessman, was once an elementary school and high school student. From 7th grade through the end of high school he was the always the biggest and the strongest kid in our group of friends. He always looked 3 years older than the rest of us! When my own brother passed in February '75 Paul and I worked together at Immaculata H.S. for quite some time as maintenance men. We were 16 years old, doing a man's job, and doing it right. Paul was as talented as he was kind. We went to numerous James Taylor concerts, the Beach Boys, summer after summer, we shared many, many happy times. While time and long distance took us far far apart, I will always remember Paul as the happy giant amongst us, but I will regret not seeing him as grown adults.
October 28, 2014
October 28, 2014
Kit and I are deeply saddened to find out that Paul has gone to be with the Lord. For some reason, I decided to look for Paul and Ellen on FB tonight. I found Ellen first, and so enjoyed seeing her and Paul, and their beautiful family, then I looked up Paul, and read what is most saddening to hear. When I saw the photos, of this beautiful family, I once more remembered how loving they are. And to see Paul smile in every photo, was exactly how I remembered him. A man who was kind, genuine, caring, loved God, Jesus, his family, and friends. Paul was most certainly a powerful, loving and genuine human being who will certainly be missed by so many. Ellen, and family...you are all in my prayers. Our Love, and Prayers to all of you, Love, Sandy and Kit Foist
May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014
I am so incredibly sorry to receive this news and I thank you for letting me know. In my almost 7 years of working at the Arb and Gardens, working with your family stands out as one of my fondest memories. What you have written about Paul on his memorial page are all things that I have felt in my limited time knowing him. I admired him as a father to your lovely boys and the two of you as a couple. Paul was always very warm and had a genuine friendliness whenever he was volunteering for Shakespeare in the Arb. I could tell that he valued giving back and modeling that service ethic for the boys.

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
May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014
I am so sad to hear of Paul's passing. What a shock and how he will be missed. Paul gave and shared so much - always a positive influence, teacher, leader, guide. Thank you for sharing him with us through the years. Now his good works continue on in the lives of those he knew. Love and peace to you all. Sam
May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014
Many years ago, Paul did some work at my bookstore in Detroit. When I paid him, he turned and bought a nice study bible for someone he had engaged in conversation. This is my favorite memory of Paul. Gary C.
May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014
I will always cherish the memories of backpacking with the 4H group. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now. It is still amazing how you and Paul could step up to the challenge of backpacking with a 6 month old baby. What a great influence that had on all of us. It proved to all of us that the greater the challenges in life, the greater the rewards. Rick and Jane
May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014
The world will never be the same because of the beautiful difference Paul's life has made. We are so grateful and blessed that we knew Paul. What an amazing gift he made to our children and other young people of his time, talents, and treasures. They all carry what they learned in challenge with them into adulthood in many different ways. And what an amazing father and husband he was. When I think of Paul, I think 'Heaven Treasures' and the lyrics 'Make My Life a Prayer to You" He truly lived his faith. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. Suzanne and John
May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014
Be assured that our sadness and sense of loss is none compared to yours. Why are we so sad then? Paul has touched our lives in so many ways that we will never forget the funny and mischievous ways he had! We will miss him! With deepest sympathy, John, Regina, Luke ,Katya and Benjamin
May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014
You are in our prayers. Words cannot express the sadness I feel about this. May God give you strength and courage to press on. We love you and all who Paul touched with his life were impacted forever. This world has lost a truly great man. The Florida Sawchuks JD and Alana
May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014
Dear Koehler family,
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
May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014
Ellen and family, Your terrible loss keeps you in our hearts and prayers. Paul serves as a reminder to all of us to live in such a full and loving way to have no regrets should we be taken suddenly from this earth. He continue to be a role model in death as well as in his life. He was a special guys and will not be forgotten. Love and hugs to all, Mary Jo and Jim
May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014
Dear Koehler family,
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
May 13, 2014
May 13, 2014
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel with you for your loss of Paul. He always seemed a giant to me growing up as a child. His warmth and charm and wit were wonderful characteristics which he passed on to his wonderful children and grandchildren. Your husband, father, and grandfather was a rare man who could get the job done right the first time. I am blessed to have known such a fine man and to know such a fine family. May God hold you all in the palm of His peaceful hand. Peace and grace, Nick, Eriny & David Sawchuk
May 11, 2014
May 11, 2014
Ellen, I will always have the memories of Paul's internal and external joy. He loved life, he loved people and more than anything he loved his family. I was glad to have known Paul and I am a better person because of him. I will cherish the time I spent with him and the memories. I will never forget his beautiful smile! It makes me happy just thinking of him. My heart goes out to you and your family.
April 12, 2014
April 12, 2014
I, too like Leona Center, have been thinking that it has been one week since we got the horrific news that Paul passed away. My thoughts have been with Ellen and her unimaginable grief. I say brief prayers for her throughout the day that the Lord would give her strength to take only the next step. 
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. . .
April 12, 2014
April 12, 2014
It's been a week since we received the shocking and unbelievable news of the loss of everyone's friend, Paul. I don't exactly know how to phrase my thoughts, but Paul was the perfect example of a person who was like a candle, lighting candles for others, creating LOTS of light every where he'd go. Sometimes you wonder, can one person make a difference, but knowing Paul, takes any doubt away. We continue to grieve this horrific loss in our lives, but the world is a better place, we are better people, because Paul Koehler crossed our path.
April 11, 2014
April 11, 2014
Gary and I were remembering last year's Pride and Prejudice tech day, when at the end of the day we realized that we still needed a "piano. . ." Gary's reaction was "You need a what?" Paul merely said, "I have an idea." He and Gary grabbed some wood, and 10 minutes later, we had a piano!
April 11, 2014
April 11, 2014
Dear Koehler Family,

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
April 10, 2014
April 10, 2014
I thank our Father in Heaven for men like Mr. Koehler. His example as a man of God was very influential to me in my formative years. If I had to define a great man I would say this only and without hesitation; Paul Koehler. My prayers are with my dear friends, the Koehler family. May God watch over you and keep you!
April 10, 2014
April 10, 2014
The people you always remember are those who are kind,compassionate and loving.They remain in your heart and memory.Paul is this sort of person.I say is because I know that Paul is still living in the spirit of eternal life in Jesus.I look forward to the day when we see him again and am certain that his spirit will remain with all who knew and loved him.
April 10, 2014
April 10, 2014
I remember at Gesu, Paul's long, straight blond hair was the envy of all the kids. And when Paul fell in love with Ellen, everyone began to envy her! Young as they were, like Romeo and Juliet, it was clear to everyone how much they loved each other. 

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
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Recent Tributes
April 11
April 11
I think of you quite often and as always, you are in my prayers. You were a good friend and a very moral and ethical man. I miss you.
March 2
March 2
Miss you Paul. It's mind boggling how 1971 flew to 2024 so fast. I enjoyed being your friend, co-worker for a while at the H.S. If I hadn't moved to Texas in 1980 I would have loved to have had the opportunity to meet your children. We all have an expiration date, I'm so sorry yours came so quickly. You live on in my memory, my thoughts and prayers. You were an integral part of my formative years and I'm a better person for that. Please help and guide me to continue down the path of righteousness so that one day we shall surely meet again.
March 17, 2023
March 17, 2023
Happy Birthday my good friend!! Think of you quite often, always great memories. I sure miss not living in Michigan and having moved to Texas when I was only 21 years old I had to make all new friends. That said, nothing ever came close to my pals in Detroit. If I had stayed it would've been an entirely different life....but that's life!
Recent stories
October 19, 2014
May 20, 2014

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  

May 13, 2014

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  

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