Thomas George “Tom” Koehler, 77, of Burlington, died Monday, April 24, 2023, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after a fierce battle with stage 4 lung cancer which had metastasized to his brain in multiple places by the time it was discovered. Over the past 5 ½ weeks, he endured two neurosurgeries and recovery at OSF St Francis in Peoria, Ill., a week of acute rehabilitation in Coralville, and two more weeks oscillating between critical and stable conditions at UIHC.
Born April 30, 1945 in Burlington, he was the son of George and Irma Winegard Koehler. Tom graduated from Burlington High School in 1963. He served his country in the United States Army as a drill Sargent during Vietnam. He was of the Catholic faith.
Tom was a Manufacturing Engineer. He worked at Winegard Company for decades, retiring in 2001. During retirement he drove cars for local car dealerships and cultivated many friendships along the way. He enjoyed rebuilding old cars, refurbishing trailers, tractors and riding lawn mowers, and engineering whatever he could first envision in his mind. He was always building things and could fix anything. One of his biggest passions was 1969 Camaros. Another lifelong passion was Boy Scouts of America, helping lead multiple Eagle Scouts to BSA’s most prestigious honor. Tom always enjoyed a good cup of coffee with friends and family!
Tom was a fighter to the end, and his cancer and respiratory issues became the one thing he could not actually fix. His survivors include two daughters Michele Lewis of Iowa City and Crystal Koehler of Ankeny; grandchildren Anakin Worthington, Teddy Worthington, and Tanner Cupps; and lots of close friends who were considered family, and his dog, Maggie Mae.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son Michael Koehler.
The funeral service for Tom will be 11 a.m. Thursday, April 27 at Lunning Chapel with Deacon Gary Johnson officiating. Military Rites will be performed by the Des Moines County Area Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a private service at a later date. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
A Memorial has been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society, from where he rescued his beloved Maggie.
According to his wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com