Lavonne J. "Vonnie" Koehler

Lavonne Janice (Hanke) Koehler, our cherished mother, grandmother, beloved wife of Rev. Dr. Martin Koehler, and sister, died July 23, 2014, at St. Francis Home in Fond du Lac, WI. She was born on August 16, 1933 in Fond du Lac, WI. to Oscar and Lillian (Seefeldt) Hanke. Vonnie graduated from Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac in 1951, and worked as a secretary at Giddings and Lewis Davis Division before her marriage to Martin in 1957. She was later employed with the Fond du Lac School District where she worked as a secretary at Chegwin Elementary School and Theisen Junior High. She and her husband resided in Fond du Lac until 2008 when they moved to West Bend.



Vonnie was a true partner to her husband, Martin. She loved serving God through her work at church and by supporting Martin in his ministry. She was active in starting the Church of Peace’s Annual Bazaar and was a member of the Martha’s Society and the Ladies Aide of the church. She also volunteered with the St Agnes Hospital Auxiliary where she loved being a part of their annual Garden Walk and was part of the Fond du Lac Women’s Chorus. Most of all Vonnie loved her family. She was filled with a kindness that extended to all, but overflowed when it came to her family. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren, or family time together for birthdays or holidays. She showed that love in so many ways like making fresh from scratch cinnamon rolls or coffee cakes every Saturday morning. Her gentle ways made you feel truly cherished. We cherished her, and will carry her in our hearts always, and miss her more than words can say.



She is survived by her three children Mark (KayC) Koehler of West Bend, Kathryn (Robert) Platt of Fond du Lac, and Steven (Julie) Koehler of Milwaukee; four grandchildren; Karlee (Kyle) Flasch, Blake Koehler, Alexander Koehler, and Austin Koehler. Further surviving is her brother, Bryan (Darlene) Hanke of Manitowoc, and nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and the husband she adored with whom she was without for only 24 days.



Visitation will be held Sunday, July 27, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 at Uecker Witt Funeral Home, and again on Monday, July 28, 2014 from 10 to 11 AM at the Church of Peace, 158 S. Military Road, Fond du Lac. The funeral service will be at the Church of Peace on Monday, the 28th. The Rev. Gerald Schrankler, Rev.Jennifer C.M. Dawson, and Rev.James Klein will officiate. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery, Town of Byron. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com





The family would like to thank the staff of the St Francis Home for the devoted, tender care they provided. They treated mom with such compassion, and were always considerate of our family’s needs. We will be forever grateful.