Barbara Lockway Koehler (nee Otto)

Barbara Lockway Koehler (nee Otto), 95, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 13, 2025, with her family by her side.

Barb was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on June 28, 1929 to the late Arthur and Pearl (née Lockway) Otto. She graduated from Lincoln High School and attended Carroll University and UWM receiving a teaching degree. On August 9, 1952, Barb was united in marriage to Dr. John G. Koehler at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Manitowoc.

Barb taught in Milwaukee, Rantoul, Illinois, before ultimately making West Bend her home after John’s discharge from the Air Force in 1955. There, they raised their four wonderful children and were lifelong members of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church.

Barb was an active volunteer at many activities throughout her church, the Riveredge Nature Center, Dyslexia Institute, Girl Scouts, Job’s Daughters, Meals on Wheels and Partners in Reading (upon her retirement). She was an avid volunteer visiting shut-ins for church for many years and continued that upon moving to Cedar Community in 2005.

She always enjoyed playing bridge especially with their long standing “supper club” and Hand and Foot. They also cherished traveling with their children, including multiple trips to the YMCA of the Rockies, and an Alaskan Cruise.

Barb is survived by her children, Nancy (Todd) Grunwaldt of West Bend, WI, Jeff (Julie) Koehler of Atlanta, GA, Judy (Bill) Peoples of Sun City West, AZ, and Mark (Nancy) Koehler of Grafton, WI. She is further survived by her five grandchildren Amy Weisen, Erin (Thomas) Stover, Sarah (the late, Justin) Moore, C.J. (fiancée, Lindsey) Koehler, and Nathan Koehler, along with three great-grandchildren, Miles Moore, Declan Moore, and Madelyn Stover.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, John.

Barb’s Visitation and Memorial Service details are pending at this time.

Barb’s family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at The Willows at Cedar Community and The Kathy Hospice for the loving care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Kathy Hospice are appreciated.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Barb’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.