- Born on: April 10, 1943
- Departed on: January 12, 2026
- Resided in: Tama, IA
Richard "Dick" Koehler
Richard (Dick) Koehler, age 82, of Tama, Iowa, was born April 10, 1943, in New Hampton, son of Waldon and Arlene (Slack) Koehler. He graduated from Fredericksburg High School and earned a degree in music education from Wartburg College. He taught instrumental music for 19 years. He owned and operated a sporting goods store in Toledo before joining Horace Mann Insurance Company. He served as president of the Central Life Underwriters Association. He retired from Horace Mann after 22 years. He also worked for Tama County as a driving examiner for 5 years. Dick was also a substitute teacher for many years at South Tama Schools.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, reading, woodworking, archery, and cooking. A passionate sports fan, he loved cheering on the Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes - preferably in a quiet room where he could focus on every play. He also found great joy in teaching his grandchildren new skills, whether it was woodworking, archery, or life lessons they would carry with them forever.
On November 27, 1970, he was married to Vicki Pruisner in the First Presbyterian Church in Aplington. They lived in Hampton, Olin, and Toledo before settling in Tama, where they made their home in 1975.
Dick was deeply committed to volunteering, dedicating 25 years to the scouting program and 40 years as a hunter education instructor. He was a Scout Master with the Iowa Contingent to the 1969 National Jamboree. He was a Master Gardener and enjoyed planting his garden and flowers. Dick’s love for music extended beyond the classroom, as he continued to inspire young musicians through his role as band director of the Tama-Toledo Community Band for six years. Whether leading a marching band or playing in the praise band at Grace Community Church, where he also served as a deacon, music was always a part of his life. Dick was also instrumental in starting the STC Archery Club at South Tama Schools. He found great joy in coaching young archers, passing on both skill and a love for the sport.
Survivors include his wife, Vicki Koehler of Tama; a son, Corey Koehler of Toledo; his children, Emma Koehler (significant other Carter) and Boden Koehler (significant other Mary Kate); and Corey’s wife, Rachael Koehler, and their children, Preston Koehler and Witten Koehler; a daughter, Kristin (Jeff) Cook of Nevada and their children, Kylie Cook (significant other Brian) and Kaitlyn Cook (significant other Aidan); a sister, Connie (Jack) Melugin of Waterloo; three sisters-in-law, Sonja Pruisner of Surprise, AZ, and Terri Best of Aplington; foster in-law siblings who became family, Virginia Richardson of Horn Lake, MS, B.J. Smith of Oelwein, Ron Smith of Parkersburg, Mike Smith, and Everett Siddell of Gladbrook; as well as a niece and many nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, William; sister-in-law, Cheryl Propst; infant sister-in-law, Lani Jo; and brothers-in-law, Dean Propst and Ron Best.
A service to honor Dick’s life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Grace Community Church in Toledo, Iowa, with visitation prior to the service from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at the church. A private family burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery immediately following the service. A luncheon will follow the burial at Grace Community Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to STC Archery.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, reading, woodworking, archery, and cooking. A passionate sports fan, he loved cheering on the Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes - preferably in a quiet room where he could focus on every play. He also found great joy in teaching his grandchildren new skills, whether it was woodworking, archery, or life lessons they would carry with them forever.
On November 27, 1970, he was married to Vicki Pruisner in the First Presbyterian Church in Aplington. They lived in Hampton, Olin, and Toledo before settling in Tama, where they made their home in 1975.
Dick was deeply committed to volunteering, dedicating 25 years to the scouting program and 40 years as a hunter education instructor. He was a Scout Master with the Iowa Contingent to the 1969 National Jamboree. He was a Master Gardener and enjoyed planting his garden and flowers. Dick’s love for music extended beyond the classroom, as he continued to inspire young musicians through his role as band director of the Tama-Toledo Community Band for six years. Whether leading a marching band or playing in the praise band at Grace Community Church, where he also served as a deacon, music was always a part of his life. Dick was also instrumental in starting the STC Archery Club at South Tama Schools. He found great joy in coaching young archers, passing on both skill and a love for the sport.
Survivors include his wife, Vicki Koehler of Tama; a son, Corey Koehler of Toledo; his children, Emma Koehler (significant other Carter) and Boden Koehler (significant other Mary Kate); and Corey’s wife, Rachael Koehler, and their children, Preston Koehler and Witten Koehler; a daughter, Kristin (Jeff) Cook of Nevada and their children, Kylie Cook (significant other Brian) and Kaitlyn Cook (significant other Aidan); a sister, Connie (Jack) Melugin of Waterloo; three sisters-in-law, Sonja Pruisner of Surprise, AZ, and Terri Best of Aplington; foster in-law siblings who became family, Virginia Richardson of Horn Lake, MS, B.J. Smith of Oelwein, Ron Smith of Parkersburg, Mike Smith, and Everett Siddell of Gladbrook; as well as a niece and many nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, William; sister-in-law, Cheryl Propst; infant sister-in-law, Lani Jo; and brothers-in-law, Dean Propst and Ron Best.
A service to honor Dick’s life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Grace Community Church in Toledo, Iowa, with visitation prior to the service from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at the church. A private family burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery immediately following the service. A luncheon will follow the burial at Grace Community Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to STC Archery.
