Diane Mae “Dede” Koehler, age 69, of Sheboygan, passed away on Tuesday morning, February 20, 2024, peacefully in her home with her husband, Glen by, her side.
Born May 26, 1954, in Sheboygan, Dede was a daughter to the late Milford and La Verne Koppelmann. She grew up as one of the fourth generations on the Koppelmann Dairy Farm. She attended Trinity Lutheran School and North High School class of ’72. This is where she met her high school sweetheart, Glen Koehler, at age 15. They continued their friendship and had their first date March 10, 1970, and married at the age of 18. Together they went on to have and raise two children; Shelly, born in ’73, and David, born in ’76. They continued supporting each other through all the ups and downs life gives for the next 52 years. A true love story!
In Dede’s early years she loved nothing more than being a mom, working in retail, and the service industry. She went on to work 29 years at Kohler Generator and this is where her many lifelong friendships were made. Dede was known for her infectious laugh and generous spirit. She enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone. All were always welcome in her home. She was very loving, non- judgmental, compassionate, and supportive of anything anyone ever wanted to do. She gave the best hugs and was everyone’s second Mom! She was very resourceful, had fabulous decorating skills, was an amazing cook, and truly enjoyed catering everyone’s favorite dishes and sweets at family parties. In her free time she could spot a garage sale a mile away and would love exploring for many different treasures. She also loved stopping at thrift stores and traveling for getaways to different casinos. She had a love for antiques, stained glass, and carnival glass. She was super crafty, a true artist, and found a way to upcycle all her finds into some beautiful yard art that she sold for a few years at the Elkhart Lake Farmers Market. Family was everything to Dede, she loved spending time with her children and through the years made sure she had a special bond with all her grandchildren. Dede will dearly be missed by all who knew her, but her amazing spirit and values will live on in all who crossed her path.
She is survived by her husband, Glen Koehler, Sheboygan; her children, Shelly (Carl) Koehler- McPherson, David (Andrea) Koehler; her grandchildren, Caleb (Mackenzie) Koehler, Drew Koehler, Ashton Koehler, Blake Koehler, Liahla Schwab, Nehamia Schwab, Xavier Blake, and Faith Bolle; her great grandchildren, Khloe Koehler, Bailey Koehler, and Hazel Koehler; her siblings Darlene (Roger) TeStroete, Mark Koppelmann; her brother and sister-in-law Jack (Susie)Koehler; many nieces and nephews, Kathy Nickel, Sue Dumovich, Laura Dumovich, Roger (Lisa) Kaiser, Rachel (Bob) Kaiser-Richardson, Matt (Jeanette) Koehler- Russell, Mike (Missy) Koehler, Ann (Ryan) Schneider, Linda TeStroete, Dustin (Becky) Koppelmann, Krysta (Mark) Koppelmann; her special friends, Barb (Tom) Buchner, Karen (Joe) Richter, Judy (Mark) Todd.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Milford and La Verne Koppelmann, and her grandparents.
A celebration of life for Dede will be on Sunday, May 26, 2024. More information will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Dede’s family would prefer a donation to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
The Koehler family would like to thank the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for all the support they have provided. A very special thank you to Karla and Amanda for going above and beyond! We would also like to thank everyone at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center for your kindness and compassion through our journey. Words cannot express our gratitude. You are all simply amazing people!
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Dede’s arrangements.
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