Fritz Koehler Of Houston, Texas passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, the 1st of October 2014. His family is comforted by the fact that he is in the loving Presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Fritz was born on the 6th of May 1949, to Anne Ruth Burns Koehler and Frederick Buchel Koehler in Cuero, Texas. Fritz loved to say he was raised by Ozzie and Harriet in a town much like Mayberry.
Fritz graduated from Texas A&M in 1971 (Whoop!) and completed his MBA while serving in the Foreign Affairs office at Texas A&M. One of his fondest memories was his fish year in the Corps of Cadets, after it was over. He loved serving the Corps as Brigade Commander. His love for his Aggie buddies ran deep and long. To this day they are always there for each other, no matter the need.
Fritz served his Country in the Army’s 82nd Airborne. This kind and gentle man was known as “Death from Above Koehler”. Fritz was so proud that he, his Dad and his sons, Christopher and Matthew, together served in all four branches of our great Country’s military.
Fritz last worked for BancorpSouth Insurance Services, Inc. as Managing Director of their Houston office. As he transitioned into semi-retirement, which was difficult to notice, he eagerly served BXSI nationally as a mentor of young producers and an instructor for BXSI-University. One of his greatest joys was sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of producers. Fritz also did sales training nationally over the years for The National Alliance for Insurance.
Fritz LOVED golf and he was very good at it. He always wanted to shoot his age and he got pretty close to it at 65! He loved playing golf at twilight, the locker room after a round of golf and the feel of a really great golf shot. He shared the love of the game with so many wonderful friends and family.
The family would like to thank the incredible medical team at M.D. Anderson and the opportunity he had to be one of 28 patients nationally to further the research of immunotherapy for colorectal patients. Through Fritz’ courageous participation it was his hope and prayer a cure for this deadly disease is near. He certainly did his part to push the ball forward.
Fritz loved all the incredible people God put in his path. Each one touched his life in a special way. He would like to thank all those that played a pivotal role in his faith. He was blessed by the people of a weekly Men’s Bible Study, Community Bible Study, Sunday school classes, Christian mentors and the prayers of many around the world.
Fritz was preceded in death by his father, Frederick Buchel Koehler. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Patricia Roberts Koehler; his mother, Anne Burns Koehler; his brother, Terry Koehler and fiancé Sherrie Reinhackel; his sons Christopher Buchel Koehler and wife Ann, Matthew Hardy Koehler and wife Ashley; his stepson Christian Warner Wilshusen and wife Leah and stepdaughter Kimberly Wilshusen Murphy and husband Wes. Fritz loved all of his grandchildren born and soon to be born. Abigail, Mallery, Brecken, Aidan, Emma, Cash, Kyler, Holden and two on the way, were truly a joy to him.
Friends gathered with the family for a visitation on Monday, the 6th of October in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
A memorial service was conducted on Tuesday, the 7th of October, in the sanctuary of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive in Houston, where the Rev. Kristin Huffman, Associate Pastor for Outreach Ministries officiated.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family suggests memorial contributions in Fritz’ memory be directed to the charity of one’s choice.
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