John Thomas Koehl

John was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Judith Ann Oaks Koehl, and his son, Joel Norman Koehl. He is survived by his children, son, John Thomas Koehl, Jr. (wife Shelly); son, James Lee Koehl; daughter, Jacqueline Rennick (husband Dan); and son, Jeff Koehl (wife Jennifer). Also, six grandchildren, Joshua Rennick (wife, Rebecca); Jacob Rennick (wife, Kayla); Josiah Rennick; Zoey Koehl; Sydney and Madison Middleton. And two great-grandchildren, Hailey and Teagan Rennick; as well as his sibling-in-laws Roberta Oaks Dankoski (husband Pat), Daniel Oaks, Sr. (wife Kerry), Marguerite Oaks Keil (husband Steven); and many nieces and nephews.

John was also preceded in death by parents, Russell E. Koehl and Catherine May (Langlois) Geisler and his brother George Lee Koehl and sister Carole Koehl Richards and sister-in-law Jacqueline Oaks Lyell (husband Thomas).

John was born January 1, 1939 in Toledo, Ohio and grew up in Toledo where he met Judy Oaks at Maumee High School and they graduated together from Rogers High School in 1957; they were married in 1958. Over the years John and his family moved many times for his work while raising their five children and eventually moved to their home in Gold River, CA where they lived for 36 years. John was a gracious host who loved to entertain his family and friends, welcoming them with open arms. He had a big heart and an even bigger smile always ready to share a handshake, a joke or a kind word.

John was known for his strong work ethic. From the age of six he began working side by side with his father in the family bakery. He was an eagle scout, the captain of his high school football team, and handily broke all fitness records in his military training. John began his career in retail with the Kresge and K-Mart Corporation, then moved on to launch two of his own retail stores before joining the Costco Corporation as a manager. He was known for his commitment to high performance in sales and service delivery for more than 20 years. John never asked more of his employees than he was willing to give of himself, leading by example in all he did. After his retirement in 2009, he and his wife read books to children at a local elementary school and volunteered at the school back pack program for disadvantaged youth.

John’s family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received from Snowline Hospice. While we mourn John’s passing, we are comforted by the memories we have of him; his warm smile, his generous spirit, and his unwavering love for his family and many friends. He left an indelible mark on all who knew him, and his legacy will live on in our hearts and our memories.

A celebration of life will be held in John’s honor on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 1:00pm at Mount Vernon Mortuary, 8201 Greenback Ln., Fair Oaks, CA 95628.

Those who may wish to send flowers are asked to please have them delivered to Mount Vernon by Thursday at 5pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would also appreciate donations to Snowline Hospice of El Dorado.

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