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Virgil L. Koehler, age 78, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, following a courageous six-year battle with cancer. While his body was tested, he always gave a positive outward spirit to all he encountered. Virgil loved winter, snow, and sharing laughter with family and friends. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. He leaves behind his cherished family and the memories they shared together.
Virgil was born on January 13, 1948, in Stillwater, Minnesota, to Leonard and Laura (Jeska) Koehler. His family lived in Somerset, Wisconsin, before moving to a farm on County M east of Osceola in 1949, and eventually settling near Horse Creek at Hillside Farm in April of 1955. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake and later confirmed in 1962 at Zion Lutheran Church in East Farmington. Virgil was a proud member of the Osceola High School Class of 1966.
In his early years, Virgil worked on multiple local farms before embarking on a 36-year career with Andersen Windows, where he retired in 2003. Throughout his decades with the company, he took great pride in his work as he moved from laying glass to the repair bench, and ultimately to serving as a Quality Assurance Inspector.
On September 10, 1969, Virgil married the love of his life, Debra Dosch, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Dresser, Wisconsin. They built a beautiful life together centered on family. Virgil gave unwavering love and attention to Deb, his children, and his grandchildren. He was their ultimate supporter, nearly never missing an athletic game, school event, or milestone. A skilled handyman, Virgil built his own house near Horse Creek that he and Deb turned into their loving home. Later came pole barns, additions, and countless improvements, and he was always the first to step up and help family and friends with similar projects.
Virgil loved camping, water skiing, motorcycle riding, road trips, snowmobiling, and anything he could do in the winter snow. A member of the Osceola Sno-Goers since 1972, he loved riding countless miles with friends and family and took meticulous care of his snowmobiles and other equipment. Following his retirement, he spent 17 years running a Polk County trail groomer. He was a 52-year blood donor and faithfully maintained an Adopt-A-Highway section of County M since 2005.
Above all, his joy came from the happiness of others as he enjoyed being the captain of the pontoon, going to deer camp, fishing with loved ones, and doing anything he could to bring others joy. His quick wit and sense of humor will be missed by those who spent time with him. Above all, Virgil loved to laugh. He would effortlessly bring that laughter and light to any interaction, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.
The family offers its sincere gratitude to Dr. Steven McCormack and the compassionate teams at Westfields Hospital, Lakeview Hospice, and the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin for the exceptional care and kindness they provided to Virgil throughout his treatment and final days.
Virgil is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Debra Koehler; their children, Chris (Molly) and Holli (Matt) Haase; and his cherished grandchildren, Katie (Heath) Tietz and Luke Haase. He is further survived by his siblings, Shirley Bethke, Mitz Johnson, Darrel (Peggy), Eugene (Kristy), Sheila (Jack) Lorimor, Dick (Vicki), Kevin (Becky), Vernon (Shannon), and Dean (Abby); brothers-in-law Brian (Mary) Dosch, Brad (Carol) Dosch, and Boyd (Ginger) Dosch; five goddaughters; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Laura Koehler; his brothers-in-law, Dave Bethke and Doug Johnson; his mother- and father-in-law, Robert and Edith Dosch; and his grandparents, William and Ida Jeska, and Michael and Sophia Koehler.
A visitation was held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 11:30 at Peace Lutheran Church (2355 Clark Rd) in Dresser, Wisconsin, with a funeral service that followed at 2:00 PM. Cake and coffee was served following the service.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
20 Comments
My prayers are with you to
the family of Virgil
Having spent years together as classmates there is an immediate reaction when a name appears after years of distance. Good, Kind and Grounded were immediate.
many prayers for peace and healing, virgil was a great kid in high school and will be greatly missed
I’m so sorry to hear that cousin Virgil has died. It’s been some years since I’ve seen Virgil but I’m remembering all the times our families got together and we kids played on the farm. I will remember Virgil and his family in my prayers .
I am so sorry to hear the Virgil has passed. I remember all the good times JR and I had snowmobiling with our group. Virgil was a great and gentle man, May God’s steadfast love be your strength, comfort and hope. Will keep you and family in my prayers.
I worked with Virgil for several years in QA at AW. He was full of fun, and made the workday a joy. He will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with Virgil’s family. He was always so fun to be around and I will never forget his smiling or his laugh. Rest In Peace My friend
We are so sorry to hear of Virgil’s passing. We so admired his & Deb’s strength & courage throughout his treatments. Praying for the Kaehler family at this difficult time. May Virgil rest in peace with his Heavenly Father.
We were so sorry to hear of Virgil’s passing after seeing him not too long ago. We admired his strength and courage as he battled his illnesses. God finally decided to take him home and give him rest. We pray he also gives Deb and Chris, Holly and the family their peace also. We pray for strength for all of you.
I was sad to hear of Virgil’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Virgil at Andersen. Virgil was always positive, easy going and he had a good sense of humor. Rest in peace Virgil.
So sorry. He put up a great fight…whenever I saw him always a smile. Positive ….was great to work with……hos love for busting drifts. Was so fun to hear
We are very sorry to hear Virgil passed. I worked with Virgil in QA at Andersen. His positive attitude and sense of humor made working with Virgil a joy. Rest in piece Virgil.
About 40 years ago, Virgil was a dear friend to my first husband, Dave, and me. I so remember his laughter and smile. He was a good man, good husband, good father, and a good friend. He loved the outdoors! I remember a summer motorcycle trip up by Lake Superior when we were going to camp along the way but the temperatures wentdown into the 30’s! I remember frost on the motorcycles and being so cold that we could hardly stand up after riding! We did end up staying in motels after braving it for one night due to the temperatures but Virgil kept smiling!! May he rest in peace.
Hugs and prayers for Deb and family, so sorry to hear of Virgil’s passing.
So sorry for you all at this time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sending love ❤️,hugs ,and prayers. I will miss Virgil and his great sense of humor. Sorry for your loss.
Virgil was one of a kind guy. Very positive attitude always. Smiling all the time. My sincere condolences to his whole family
Sorry to hear of your passing
Vern & Shannon,
Our condolences.
Linc & Ellen
Deb and family, My sincere sympathy on your loss. Virgil was quite a cut-up wherever he went. I’ll miss him at class of 1966 outings. Hope you will still come.
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