Wayne D Koehler

Wayne D Koehler, born August 21, 1946, in Humboldt, Nebraska, was one of four children of Wilber and Iona (Ottemann). He was baptized September 8, 1946, by Pastor Bents and confirmed October 30, 1960, by Pastor Blobaum, both at St. James Lutheran Church near Humboldt. Wayne graduated from Bratton Union High School in May 1964, and enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard from 1965 to 1971.

On September 6, 1970, Wayne was united in marriage to Marilyn Andreesen at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Wymore, Nebraska. Their union was blessed with four children: Paula, Jeff, Matt, and Jennifer.

Wayne began his post-secondary education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1969. He graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, with majors in Physical Education and Middle School Education. In 1975 he earned a master’s degree in education with K-12 principal Endorsement from UN-L. He then earned his Specialist Degree in School Administration from UN-L in 1985.

Wayne’s career as an educator started at Funk Elementary from 1972 to 1981. While there he taught Jr. High, served as Principal, drove a school bus, and coached Jr. High. He next served as Principal and Athletic Director at Bern, Kansas from 1981 to 1983 and at Bruning, Nebraska from 1983 to 1986.  At Bruning he was the head coach of the 1988 Bruning Bears girls state championship team.  After earning his Specialist Degree Wayne was Superintendent and elementary Principal in Bruning from 1986 to 1994, and then as shared Superintendent with Bruning and Davenport schools 1994 to 2002, when he retired.  Wayne was the Superintendent of the year for the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association in 2001.

Wayne and Marilyn moved to the Koehler farm near Humboldt in 2002, and he accepted a position as Superintendent and Elementary Principal at Pawnee City from 2003 to 2009. Wayne was very proud that all of his children pursued careers in education.

Spending time with grandchildren on the farm was filled with simple joys. From riding in the pick-up to call the cows, driving the tractor, bonfires by the pond, and hayrack rides. Wayne was always up for shooting baskets in the barn, playing baseball, or a game at the table. Wayne enjoyed watching the grandkids in their activities. He never passed up an opportunity to talk about his grandkids.

As he battled cancer, Wayne was able to remain at home with the help of Marilyn, other family members, and hospice care. He passed away at home on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the age of 78 years, 8 months, and 26 days. In addition to his parents, Wayne is preceded in death by his daughter Paula Deisely, sister-in-law Linda Koehler, and brother-in-law John Andreesen.

Wayne is survived by his wife Marilyn; his children and their children Jeff (Ami) Koehler of Johnson, Jayse, Jordan, and Brody; Matt (Brandi) of Omaha, Milo; Jennifer (Zac) Borg of Lincoln, Emmett and Mabel; son-in-law (husband of Paula) Chad Deisely of Arapahoe, Morgan (fiancé Jered Lemkau) and Tanner; sister Carol (Willis) Oestmann of Elkhorn; brothers Gerold (Debbie) Koehler of Joplin, MO, Roger (Debbie) Koehler of Claremore, OK; sister-in-law Louella Andreesen of Auburn; brother-in-law Dave (Betty) Norton of Filley; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 21, 10:30 a.m. at St James (Long Branch) Lutheran Church near Humboldt. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The visitation will be at the funeral home Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to St. James Lutheran Cemetery or family choice.