Ronald Lee Koehler, 77, of Independence, MO died Thursday morning, July 26, 2018 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City.

Ron was born in Seneca on May 5, 1941 to John and Helen Heideman Koehler. He attended Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School graduating in 1959. After high school, Ron briefly attended Benedictine College, but later enlisted in the Army where he served in Germany for three years as a Military Intelligence specialist. Ron joined the Army on June 16, 1960 and was assigned to the 183^rd USASA Co 318^th BN, he earned the Rank of E-3, Rod was discharged on June 1, 1963.

On September 30, 1967 he married Linda Gress in San Diego, CA. They lived in California, Washington, and Missouri, before finally settling in Kansas in 1974. They were married for 20 years and had five children.

Although Ron spent most of his life working as a builder and carpenter, writing was Ron’s passion. Ron received his M.A. degree in English from Kansas State University, where he graduated with honors as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He became a writer and editor for the Courier Tribune and the Hiawatha Daily World, and was later the publisher of Lift construction magazine in Independence, MO. He also wrote the historical publication “Bern, Kansas, 1887-1987: Memories of the First 100 Years”. He later retired from the Olympic Cabinet Company in Independence, MO where he was an expert in building and designing high end, custom spiral staircases and billiard tables.

Ron was an avid reader and writer, loved sailing, traveling, and the outdoors, and enjoyed treasure hunting at thrift stores and yard sales. He was extremely artistic and creative, and his children will always remember him for his sense of adventure, his free spirit, and his wit.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter Jennifer Koehler, his parents John and Helen Koehler, his brothers Raymond, James, and Leonard Koehler, and his sisters Rita Broderick and Mary Helen Lear.

Ron is survived by four of his children April (Jeff) Rice of Buckeye, AZ, Christopher (Simone) Koehler of Haltingen, Germany, James Koehler of Sagle, Idaho, and Robyn Koehler of Sabetha. Nine grandchildren, Caleb Gilstrap, Tristen Dodder, Adrienne and Jaidyn Koehler, Britani and Garrett Koehler, and Aiden, Jack, and James Koehler, and siblings Esther Proffitt of Seneca, Abbot Ralph Koehler OSB of Atchison, and Barbara Buckley of Prairie Village KS.

Memorials can be given in Ron’s memory to Sts. Peter and Paul School, and sent in care of the family.