Frank J. Koeller

Frank J. Koeller, 89, Athens passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Wausau Manor Nursing Home, Wausau.

He was born January 22, 1931 in the town of Hamburg, son of the late Reinhard and Leona (Kleinschmidt) Koeller.  On June 30, 1951 he married Nila Hoge at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens.  She survives.

Frank hauled milk for Kleinschmidt until he was called into the United States Army in 1952.  He served in the Army in Korea while their son Gerald was born.  Frank came home to his wife and son and went to work for Brickners, Mullins Cheese, Marathon Implement, Eder’s Busing, Tolk Cattle and Peter’s Trucking before retiring.  Frank was also a sexton at Salem Lutheran Cemetery, town of Hamburg.

Frank proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He earned staff sergeant and served in the headquarters battery.  He earned the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the United Nation Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Some of his favorite pastimes included listening to Polkas and country music, announcing at women’s tournaments and fast pitch games.  Frank never knew a stranger and would make conversation with anyone he met.  He was also known to keep a close eye on his neighbors.

Survivors include his loving wife, Nila, his children, Gerald Koeller, Sandy Koeller (Helen), Karen (Joseph) Weiler, of Athens and Dale (Lynnette) Koeller, Wausau, 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandsons, 3 great granddaughters, his sister-in-law, Luann Thurs, Athens, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Roland and Violet Golz, Dorchester. He is preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Gordon Thurs and Sylvester Heier and a sister-in-law, Norma Heier.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 27, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. The Rev. Mark Schwalenberg will officiate.  Burial will be in Salem Lutheran Cemetery, town of Hamburg where full military honors will be conducted.  Visitation will be held from Noon until the time of services all at the church.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens.  Social distancing will be observed and face masks are required by all who attend.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

Frank’s family would like to thank all the Aspirus doctors and nurses for the outstanding care given to him during his stay with them.