Richard J. Koehne

Richard John Koehne passed away January 24th at home surrounded by loved ones. He was born September 28, 1930 to Barbara and Anton Koehne in Appleton, Wisconsin the 9th of 10 children in a traditional German Catholic family. His strong work ethic began with his responsibilities as a teenager sweeping up and moving kegs of beer at the family’s business, Koehne’s Palm Gardens and Dance Hall. Dads’ early love of boating and the Wisconsin lakes led to a 24 year career in the US Navy. In 1952 he graduated from the University of Texas and was commissioned an ensign. He served at many duty stations including San Diego, Coronado, Point Barrow, Alaska, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In 1964 he graduated from the Naval Post Graduate School with an additional degree in meteorology. Dad loved to put his meteorological knowledge to use second guessing the local weather forecasters. He was especially proud of his service during the Korean War and work with the first nuclear weapons systems including the testing of the Trident missile. His last duty station in the military was with the SACLANT Staff/NATO which took him on annual trips to the United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium and Germany. He retired in 1976 and put his love of detail to work learning woodworking and perfecting his vegetable garden. His retirement included a much enjoyed cruise to Alaska and playing on the retired officer’s bowling league. He was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan as well. Highlights of Dad’s last year included a family reunion allowing him to reconnect with his extended family especially meeting his first great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Carol Kaufman Koehne and two of his nine children, Mary and Theresa. His is survived by Kathy (Dick) Williams, Susan (Kerry) Gregory, Carol (Keith) Denson, Martha (Robert Land) Fraser, Barbara (Dennis Griggs) Elliott, Patricia (Larry) Stapleton and his only son Richard in addition to ten grandchildren and his great grandson.

A mass of the resurrection will be at 10am, Thursday at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.