Dale David Koehler

Dale D. Koehler , age 79, of Sebewaing, passed away November 14, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was born in Unionville on December 12, 1941, to Henry and Linda (Yanke) Koehler. He graduated from Sebewaing High School in 1960 and was a graduate of Northeastern School of Commerce.

Dale married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine Weippert, on August 4, 1962. He sold Fuller Brushes and worked for the postal service before beginning his 30 year career with the Sebewaing Police Department, serving as Chief of Police for 29 of those years. Dale was a lifelong member of New Salem Lutheran Church from baptism to confirmation to serving on the finance committee for over 56 years. He was a Sebewaing J.C., a member of the Lions, a Huron County Commissioner, served on the Mental Health Board for 13 years, along with many other community organizations.

One of Dale's greatest joys was impacting the youth in and around the area in positive ways. Coach Koehler could usually be found on a basketball court, a baseball field and most notably, a softball diamond, sharing the love of the game, life lessons and nicknames for all. He was instrumental in starting up the girls softball program at the Sebewaing Park. He spent many summers coaching at the park and went on to coach the U.S.A. Varsity softball team for 12 years.

If you couldn't find Dale at a sporting event, you could probably find him in his workshop. Another passion of his was finding and refinishing oak furniture. Over the years he spent countless hours restoring many beautiful pieces.

Dale was preceded in death by his wife, Gerry, on January 11, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his parents, brother Walter Koehler, brothers-in-law William Bohn, Dennis Engelhardt, Donald Parsell, Allan Nietzke and sister-in-law Karon Nietzke.

He is survived by his children, David (Julie) Koehler and Julie (Chad) Jacoby; his grandchildren, Zak and Doug Koehler, Connor, Kye and Jade Jacoby, and step-grandchildren, Nathan (Ashley) Neuman and their daughter Emerson, and Skylar VanMullekom. Dale is also survived by his sisters, Clarene Parsell and Linda (Ernie) Cramer; his sister-in-law Sharon Engelhardt, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Juengel-Mellendorf Funeral Home in Sebewaing from 2-8pm.

The funeral service will be Thursday, November 18, 2021 at New Salem Lutheran Church in Sebewaing, 222 E. Grove St. Visitation will begin at the church at 10am until the time of service at 11am. Rev. William Mayhew will be officiating.

Burial will be at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Sebewaing.

Memorial donations may be given to Sebewaing VFW Sportsman's Club or New Salem Lutheran Church.