Willmar Koehler Jr.

Willmar Edward Koehler, Jr. July 3, 1934 – July 16, 2018

Willmar Jr. 84, was born July 3, 1934 to Willmar and Henrietta (von Spreckelsen) Koehler of Merriam Kansas. He was Baptized and Confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. Willie attended Merriam Grade School and graduated from Shawnee Mission Rural (North) High School in 1952. While playing French Horn in a music contest he was awarded a scholarship to Washburn University of Topeka. He played in the Washburn Band, Washburn Orchestra and played First Chair French Horn in the Topeka Civic Symphony. He remained passionate about classical music and enjoyed attending the Kansas City Symphony classical and pops performances. Willie was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

In 1956 Willie met Norma Radke of Milberger Kansas; they were married June 1, 1958 in Russell. They were blessed with a son, Willmar Edward Koehler, III and daughter Erica Ann Flavin (Pat). He is survived by his wife Norma of 60 years, his son and daughter and a nephew Ross Moore.  Besides his parents and beloved Uncle William von Spreckelsen he was preceded in death by his Sister, Julia Catherine Moore (Leonard).  As a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church Bill served on the Board of Church Property for many years.  Bill’s life occupation which consisted of construction of residential, commercial and industrial structures. In 1969 he founded and managed Koehler Construction Company alongside his wife Norma and son Ed. The company enjoyed 30 years as contractor at The Folger Coffee Company Kansas City.  In 1980 he began inspections and reports of deferred maintenance on commercial properties nationwide for investors.  In 1991 Bill and Ed extended their careers as experts in construction and cost estimation of building damage to commercial and industrial structures caused by various perils, including major hurricanes. Together they enjoyed travels nationwide to assess property damages and write estimates of restoration costs in various formats for their clients. In his field of expertise Bill served as an expert witness in court cases related to insurance claim settlements for various clients.  Bill was an Inspector for the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Renewal for 40 years.  Willie grew up with Collie dogs and enjoyed always having a Collie in the family to greet him home. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Memorials may be made to Music Department of Lutheran High School of Kansas City, 12411 Wornall Road, Kansas City MO 64145