Thomas Lee Koehler

Thomas Lee Koehler, of Findlay, died Wednesday, September 17, 2014, at the Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay. He was 79.

Born February 7, 1935, he was the son of the late Lester and Bessie [Winter] Koehler. He married Nancy Ellis on October 13, 1956, and she survives in Findlay.

Mr. Koehler also is survived by four children: Ellen (Dave) Bugay, Findlay, OH; Victor (Kathy) Koehler, Delaware, OH; Adele (Jim) Lynagh, Greenville, SC; and Rachel Block, Findlay, OH. Eight grandchildren also survive: Logan and Garrett Bugay, Cameron and Bradley Koehler, Samantha and Brynn Lynagh, and Hannah and Emily Block. Other surviving relatives include sisters-in-law Anna Jane Ellis, Oshkosh, WI, and Rosemary Jordan, Upper Sandusky, OH; a niece,Georgia (Earl) Smith, Truckee, CA; and nephews Ed (Penny) Stephan, Carey, OH, and Frank Stephan, Upper Sandusky.

A 1953 graduate of Upper Sandusky High School, Tom was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Upper Sandusky and later transferred to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Findlay. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow, scouting's honor society. He served as a cook in the United States Army and was stationed at the Fort Dix post near Trenton, New Jersey. Tom worked first as a farmer, then later as a plumber for J.F. Dible & Sons Plumbing in Carey, OH. He was a member of the Norwalk Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union Local 42, Norwalk, OH. He owned and operated Bolish Restaurant in Upper Sandusky during the 1970s. He worked in the maintenance department for Wyandot Manor and was Maintenance Director of Wyandot Memorial Hospital both in Upper Sandusky. He worked for Dotson Plumbing & Heating in Cridersville, OH. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of BPOE #83.

Tom had artistic talents and he played the guitar and accordion. He was a good bowler and drilled bowling balls to specification. Tom especially loved the game of golf and enjoyed many rounds with Nancy and their friends. He was very fond of his cohorts, past and present, in theThursday morning breakfast club.

Family and friends will be received from 2 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, 2014, at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, Upper Sandusky. A celebration of his life is planned for 10 a.m. on Monday, September 22, 2014, at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, with the Rev. Joe Trester officiating. Burial will follow in Old Mission cemetery, Upper Sandusky.

Memorial contributions in his honor are suggested to Boy Scouts of America, Troop 284 in Delaware or Findlay First Editionin care of the funeral home.