Gary Koehler

BARTLETT, Tenn. — Gary W. Koehler, 66, of Bartlett, Tenn., formerly of Peru, died Monday, June 5, 2017. Gary was stricken with a massive stroke while at his summer home in Minocqua, Wis.

Gary was born Jan. 16, 1951, in Peru to Howard and Helen (MacPhail) Koehler. He married Nancy Fiedler on July 27, 1974, in Granville.

He graduated from LaSalle–Peru High School in the class of 1969, graduated from Illinois Valley Community College in 1971 and received his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1973 at Southern Illinois University.

Gary was the sports editor for the LaSalle News Tribune for 13 years. His career then led him to a writer position on the staff of Duck’s Unlimited magazine. Gary was also a featured writer in nationally recognized hunting, dog and sports magazines. Upon his retirement three years ago, Gary continued as a free lance writer in the hunting and fishing fields. He also was instrumental in establishing the national Duck’s Unlimited Museum, located in the Bass Pro Shop in downtown Memphis. Gary enjoyed being a member of Duck’s Unlimited and various hunting and fishing organizations.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Koehler of Bartlett, Tenn.; three daughters, Lisa Koehler of Bartlett, Tenn., Kristin (Michael) Kohlhase of Crystal Lake and Kimberly (Thomas) Goyer of Bartlett, Tenn.; two sisters, Lynn Huffstodt of Carmel, Ind., and Janice McDonald of Marseilles; and two grandchildren, Mackenzie Koehler and Nicholas Kohlhase.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Judy; and one brother at birth.

The family will be honoring Gary at a private graveside service. The Rev. Ron McNeill will officiate and burial will be in Granville Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Duck’s Unlimited, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands.

The Dysart-Cofoid Funeral Chapel in Granville will be assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.dcfunerals.com.