Marilyn Joyce Koehler

Marilyn Koehler, 86, passed away on March 20, 2024 at home in Marion, Kansas. She was a teacher and servant of Jesus Christ who touched many lives with her wisdom, kindness, and faith.

She was born December 19, 1937 in Plano, Iowa to Herbert and Cloe Joiner. Marilyn was a life-long learner who loved to teach others. She graduated from Seymour High in 1955, then married David four months later on September 25th. She learned to be a farm wife to David and mother to Darrell, Duane, and Deanna, and taught Sunday School. Her heart for teaching eventually led her back to school. She attended Indian Hills Community College and earned her teaching credentials from Northeast Missouri State University. She became a teacher at Bloomfield, Iowa, and continued to pursue her own education. She eventually earned a master’s degree in administration, and later a Doctorate from Drake University. But even as Dr. Koehler, she was the same humble learner with a servant’s heart. Her favorite stories to tell were of students that she taught over her 34-year career in education. After Bloomfield, she became the Superintendent of Moulton-Udell, where she led the passage of a bond levy to build a new elementary school. She served as Principal in Garner, Iowa for six years, then as Principal in Kirksville, Missouri for twelve years, where she helped secure another successful bond levy.

After retirement in 2007, Marilyn poured herself into serving at her local church. She completed a pastoral training program and was ordained by the Church of the Brethren in 2013. Her heart was to serve her Lord Jesus and use the gifts she was given to teach and mentor others. Marilyn and David began spending winters in Marion Kansas, then eventually moved there year-round. They loved spending time with family and friends, and especially with their grandkids: Erik (Claudia) and Tyler (Katrina) Brinegar; Matt, Connor, and Kaelyn Thierolf; Jason (Alana), Andrew, and Stephanie Chau; and Lindsey, Joshua, and Joel Koehler. Marilyn also has six great-grandchildren: Callum and Rowan Brinegar; Robin and Graham Brinegar; and Aubrey and Chloe Chau. Her beloved husband David passed into eternity in March of 2021. Marilyn is survived by her children Darrell (Cindy) Koehler, Duane (Deanna) Koehler, Deanna (Grant) Thierolf, and Norman (Gail) Chau. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Roscoe, Richard, and Royce, and her sisters Carol and Pauline.

Services will be held at Fairview Church of the Brethren, 18140 Highway T61, Unionville, Iowa at 2 pm on Friday, March 29^th.   A time of visitation with family and refreshments will follow the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fairview Church of the Brethren, Holt International, or Indian Hills Community College Foundation scholarship fund. Yazel Megli Funeral Home is serving the family. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Marilyn at www.yazelmeglifh.com