Today we celebrate Helen Koehler of 61 David Avenue, Jackson, who died June 3, 2012 at age 100+.
Daughter of Hungarian immigrants, she graduated from Case Western Reserve School of Education “in the depth of the depression.” Interacting with Helen, one always learned something. She loved all of nature — animals, plants, the cosmos — as well as music, nutrition and learning new things. She started children’s choir and taught catechism at Holy Trinity Church. She was a speech coach when her children were in high school. At age 62 she became the first yoga teacher in Jackson at the old library and was still a volunteer tutor at Parkview Elementary until age 94.
She is survived by four children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She nurtured each child to follow their talents — Helen Friese of Sydney, Australia, musician and world traveller; Al Koehler of Waynesville, Ohio, engineer; Tiffani Manley (Liz) of Santa Barbara, California, musician and nutritionist; and Steve Koehler of Grangeville, Idaho, geologist and writer. Yet each of them today, like their mom, is a teacher.
Other family members include Sue Koehler of Jackson, Ohio; Patricia and Sophia Koehler of California; Pam and Glen Petri of Bronx, NY; Toni, Brian, Taylor and Tyler Orth of Boise, Idaho; Abe and Jennifer Koehler of Boise Idaho; and Grace Koehler of Grangeville Idaho.
Her son, Steve, described her as passing thru life like a breeze thru a tree, allowing people to be as they are, without judgment. As a result, all of her children would have welcomed her to come live with them, but she would choose no favorite. Likewise, she was Catholic, yet attended services with friends of all denominations and was welcomed everywhere.
Helen had many talents and interests. She loved Jackson and was active in Red Cross, the Clothes Line, Altar and Rosary Society, and she was the first female eucharist minister at Holy Trinity Church. She traveled to England, France, Germany, Australia and to all 50 States.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis A. Koehler, who once wrote, “Of all the billion and a half women in the world, how was I lucky enough to find you!”; and an 18-month-old “blue baby,” Karl Christopher Koehler, who passed in her arms.
Helen’s motto and philosophy was, “Don’t force things. Find out what’s wrong and fix it gently. Don’t break it.” As a friend she was a treasure to be with, a good listener where one’s heart secrets could find solace and trust. All who knew her have been greatly blessed. Her spirit ripples out as the essence of comfort even at this time of passing.
Viewing will be Thursday, June 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Eisnaugle Funeral Home. Rosary service will be at 7 p.m. When asked which section of the Rosary she wanted, she said, “Why, the glorious mysteries, of course!” Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 Friday, June 8 at Holy Trinity Church. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery followed by refreshments at Holy Trinity Parish Hall. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis-Gillum Funeral Home and online condolences may be sent to www.e-k-lewisfuneralhome.com.