Saturday, May 7th, 2016
Lawrence Kohler Jr.
Lawrence F. (Spike) Kohler, Jr. of Wapakoneta died at 11:58 pm Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Auglaize Acres.
He was born on May 22, 1927 in Wapakoneta to Lawrence F and Violet (Crouch) Kohler who preceded him in death. On November 12, 1949, he married Darlene "Dottie" Braun, who preceded him in death on August 25, 2013.
Survivors also include two sons and two daughters; Jim (Peg) Kohler, Keith (Dorothy) Kohler both of Wapakoneta, Karen (Craig) Fledderjohann and Judy (Dave) Bambauer both of New Knoxville, 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, brothers Ken (Hannah) Kohler and Ron (Sue Ellen) Kohler of Wapakoneta, a sister-in-law Susie Kohler of Wapakoneta and brothers-in-law, Dale (Vickie) Braun of Grapeland, TX and Allen Bushman of New Bremen.
He was preceded in death by a daughter Kaye Kristine Kohler, sister and brother-in-law Betty and Roland Hollenbacher, brother and sister-in-law, Roy and Dorothy Kohler, a brother Ed Kohler and sister-in-law, Linda Bushman.
Spike attended Wapakoneta Schools through his Junior Year and graduated from Mendon Union High School in 1946. He was an Army Veteran, serving from 1946 through 1948. He worked at Standard Oil Company from 1948 through 1987. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Wapakoneta, where he served on the Church Council. He was a member of the Wapakoneta Senior Citizens, Wapakoneta Police Auxiliary and a lifetime member of the VFW Post 8445, where he served on the Honor Guard.
Spike was awarded Citizen of the Year in 1995 by the Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce. He was an avid woodworker donating many items to various organizations around the county. Spike umpired Little League Baseball until he was 70 years old. Spike and his wife, Dottie, volunteered many hours at Auglaize Acres. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin at 10:30 am Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Schlosser Funeral Home & Creation Services, Wapakoneta. Rev. Becky Sunday will be officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta, with Military Rites being performed by the VFW Post 8445.
Friends may call from 3-7 pm Monday, May 9, 2016 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Auglaize Acres, Wapakoneta.
Condolences may be expressed at www.schlosserfuneralhome.com.
