Robert (Bob) Phillip Koehler, 87

Robert (Bob) Phillip Koehler passed away on Feb. 13, 2024, at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington, Ill., from complications related to Parkinson’s disease.

He was born in Chicago on Feb. 18, 1936. He was the fifth son of Orlo and Berniece (Sweet) Koehler. In 1939, his family moved to a farm at the corner of South Street and Franklinville Road in rural Woodstock. He was one of the first 4-H members to exhibit at the McHenry County Fair when it was held at Woodstock High School. Later, as a teacher, he was invited to judge 4-H woodworking projects.

Bob was in the first class to attend Westwood Elementary School when it opened. Bob graduated from Woodstock High School (class of 1954), Northern Illinois University, and he held a master’s degree from the University of Illinois. He proudly served in the U.S. Army’s Sixth Armored Division – the “Super Sixth.”

Bob was on the first faculty of Northwood Middle School in 1970, where he established the industrial arts program. He was a member of both the Woodstock Jaycees and Lions Club. Bob enjoyed gardening, cycling, woodworking and model railroading. He loved music, especially classical music, and he was a supporter of the Woodstock Mozart Festival. He also enjoyed sports and was a lifelong NIU Huskie fan.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jane; daughters, Clare (Todd) Fagan and Beth (Patrick) Koehler-King; and grandchildren, Iris and Rowan King and Jackson Fagan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Blanche Thompson Koehler; and his brothers, Richard, Forbes, Ward, and Don.

A celebration of his life will be Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Maples at the Sonatas Club House, 645 Handel Lane, Woodstock, IL 60098.
Gifts in his memory may be made to the Woodstock Fine Arts Association Scholarship Fund at P.O. Box 225, Woodstock, IL 60098.