William “Bill” George Koehler, 86, of Tecumseh, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026. Bill was born at home on November 28, 1939 to Herman & Carrie (Hoffman) Koehler in rural Johnson County, NE. He was baptized Dec. 17, 1939 and confirmed Feb. 22, 1953 at St. Paul’s U.C.C. (Maple Grove) Church.

Bill became big brother to Bob and Joyce, and later, to twins Dan and Don. He graduated from Elk Creek High School in 1958, where he participated in football, basketball and track. He joined the Nebraska Army National Guard on March 25, 1957. Bill met Velda Oestmann and swept her off her feet at a community dance in Tecumseh. They were married at Martin Luther Church, rural Johnson, Nebraska on August 30, 1961. After their marriage, they would journey to Auburn every Monday night where she visited her parents while he attended meetings with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 134th Infantry. Bill served as a tank operator, an infantryman, and was awarded the sharpshooter badge. After eight years of dedicated service, he was honorably discharged on March 24, 1965 as an E-5 Sergeant.

Bill worked as a carpenter for many years while he and Velda grew their ranch. They had horses and enjoyed trail rides, even riding mules to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. And they always loved to go dancing. His service to his faith and his church was very important to him, including helping with the building projects of the Maple Grove Church and care home, and serving on church council for many years.

Bill is reunited in death with his parents Herman & Carrie (Hoffman) Koehler, older sister Ina Mae Koehler and niece Tracy Koehler. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Velda, children Rodney & Cheryl Koehler, Renae Koehler & Stephen Martin, and Royce & Mindy Koehler, grandchildren Austin & Cheyanne Koehler, Elyssa & Dylan DeBoer, Carlee & Taylor Moates, Mandalyn & Drew Bydalek, Izac Martin, Madison & Brantley Eklund, Cashel Martin, and Morgan & Simon Johnson, 5 great-grandsons, Colter & Jameson De-Boer, Everett Eklund, Elijah Johnson, and David Bydalek, siblings, Robert & Ellen Koehler, Joyce Koehler, Daniel & Beverly Koehler, and Donald & Karen Koehler, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the St. Paul’s U.C.C. (Maple Grove) Church, rural Tecumseh, NE with Rev. Dr. Renae Koehler officiating. Deb Schultz, pianist, accompanied congregational hymns, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”, “Be Still My Soul” and “Blessed Assurance.” Pallbearers were Bill’s fourteen grandchildren. Interment was in the St. Paul’s U.C.C. (Maple Grove) Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska with full military honors by the Tracy-Bates American Post #370, Elk Creek and Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team. Memorials may go to the family’s choice. Services were entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.