Roll Call Tribute

Kenneth Wayne "Ken" Koehler 

September 27, 1953 - March 23, 2024 

Kenneth Wayne Koehler, known affectionately as Ken to his friends and family, passed away on March 23, 2024 in Madisonville, Texas at the age of 70.

Ken was born to Edwin and Leatrice Michalk Koehler on September 27, 1953 in Hollywood, California. Ken attended high school in San Antonio, graduating from Douglas MacArthur High School. He attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a degree in Forestry as a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 1975. He received his Master’s in Soil Science from Mississippi State University.

Ken began his career working for the Texas Forest Service in both Linden, Texas and College Station, Texas. He then embarked on a career focusing on the environmental aspects of business and worked for the Lower Colorado River Authority in La Grange, Texas for twenty-one years. After moving to College Station, Ken worked for Luminant in Franklin, Texas and then returned to work for Texas A&M University.

Having spent many memorable summers with his grandparents in La Grange, he chose to raise his children there. In La Grange, Ken was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Ken turned a creative outlet and his strong Christian faith into a small woodworking business, refurbishing antiques into wooden crosses. Ken had a strong affinity for the outdoors and his love for the environment and the open air was as big as Texas. His outdoor pursuits also included playing tennis, running, hiking, canoeing and fishing.

Ken was a die-hard Texas Aggie and could always be heard giving a “Howdy”, “Gig ‘em” or thunderous “Whoop!” at the many Texas A&M sporting events he attended throughout his life.

In Ken’s own words, his guiding principle was to have “a strong faith in Christ, to live a Godly life, and to seek out his wisdom in every challenge [he] met along the way.” Ken was also a participant in the Emmaus Community.

Ken is survived by his former wife, Cindy Purser Koehler, and their three children: son Cody Koehler and his wife Michelle, son Kyle Koehler and his wife Jenny, and daughter Cassidy Koehler. His legacy extends through his beloved grandchildren Rosalie, Olivia, and River Koehler

Ken is also survived by his sister, Gayle Koehler Westmoreland and her husband Dare, brother-in-law John Krolak, Sr. and his wife Brenda, and extended family members David and Sharon Purser, along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his sister Janet Koehler Krolak, his parents Edwin and Leatrice Koehler, and his grandparents Gus and Emma Michalk.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the church of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl St., La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.