Rev. Charles Joseph Koehler Jr.

Reverend Charles Joseph Koehler Jr. August 11, 1949 - September 15, 2024 Jay Koehler, beloved husband, father, grandfather “papa”, and dedicated servant of God, passed away in Traverse City on September 15, 2024, at the age of 75. Born on August 11, 1949 in Chicago Illinois, Jay lived a life full of passion, service, and love. Jay's varied interests and careers reflected his unique personality. He took great pleasure in cooking and sharing meals with friends and family, as well as music in the form of being an organist, singing, chanting, and musical theater. Jay was involved in set construction for community theater in Marengo, Illinois where his wife also participated in musical productions; and Traverse City roller derby, where he managed the penalty box and organized team bussing. He served many roles including being a member of the first class of Paramedics in the state of Illinois to enter the City of Chicago Fire Department in 1974 and as Chief pilot, flight instructor, and head of charter flight operations at Crystal Lake Airport in Lake in the Hills, Illinois before finding his true calling as a Lutheran Pastor in 1992. A lifetime member of the LC-MS, Jay attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School in Skokie, IL, graduated from Glenbrook South HS in 1967, Valparaiso University in 1971, majoring in Electrical Engineering, and minored in Math and Religion. Not wanting to get involved in Seminex, he finally went to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, graduating with a Master’s of Divinity Degree in 1997, and receiving his first call to serve Trinity Lutheran Church and School, Traverse City, MI. As a dedicated Pastor, Jay was committed to his faith and community and continued his life in the clergy as an intentional interim Pastor, embodying the values of compassion and service in his work throughout northern Michigan including Grace in Elk Rapids, Redeemer of Interlochen, Emmanuel in Cadillac, St. Paul’s in Good Harbor, St. Paul’s in Kalkaska, and Bethlehem in Glen Arbor. Jay is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Joyce and their children; son, CJ and daughter, Liz, along with her family—husband Eric and their children, Dez and Isla. He is also survived by his brother Doug and wife Carolyn Koehler, and sister Kristine Randall; his Uncle Ritchard and his wife Geraldine Stermer; cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elaine Koehler. Jay will be remembered for his steadfast faith and his enduring effort to make others smile. Though he approached life with a certain stubbornness, he took joy in the simple pleasures of sharing a meal and a laugh with those around him. He was an avid pet owner who’s loving nature was reflected in the dogs and cats he adopted and cared for in his life. A funeral service will be held Tuesday September 24th at 11:00 am at Redeemer Lutheran Church of Interlochen, Michigan, with visitation starting at 10:00 am with luncheon in the Fellowship hall to follow. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the service will be available at https://redeemerofinterlochen.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church of Interlochen, an animal rescue, or charity of your choice in Jay’s honor.