Merna E. Koeller

Koeller, Merna E.
(Nee Korth)
Passed away peacefully at Zilber Family Hospice on August 26, 2014 at 84 years of age, surrounded by her loving family. Merna was married to Carston, her high school prom date, for 58 years. She was born on July 12, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI and grew up in Embarrass, WI. She graduated from Clintonville High in 1948. Merna enjoyed gardening and spending time outdoors. She liked concerts and classical music, and spent some of her retirement traveling the world. Her love of biking took her on excursions across Wisconsin, New Zealand, and Europe. She was a great photographer, compiling many albums full of photographs of family occasions and trips. Merna was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, New Berlin and sang in the choir. She was a docent at the Pabst Mansion for many years. As a member of the Martin Luther Ladies Guild, she devoted considerable time to their annual rummage sales. She was a wonderful seamstress and led various 4-H groups such as silk screening and stenciling. Merna also wove handmade rag rugs and kept hives of honeybees. She lived by the saying, “Why buy it when you can make it yourself?” Merna was preceded in death by her husband Carston. Grateful for having shared her life were son Randy (Arline) Koeller, DeSmet, SD, and daughters Kathy (Jeff) Ochsankehl, Prairie du Sac, WI, Gwen (Herb) Velazquez, Alpharetta, GA, Becky (Matthew) Bahnfleth, Norfolk, NE, and Rachel (Dave) Chapin, New Berlin, WI, as well as 14 grandchildren, 3 great- grandchildren, and stepbrother, Clarence Korth. A funeral is planned for Friday, August 29 at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church, New Berlin, with visitation before the service from 9:00-10:45 AM.
Internment will follow on Saturday at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Embarrass, WI.
Memorials may be sent to Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion or Peace Lutheran Church.

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