Chris Charles Koehler was born on October 18, 1933, to Herman Carl and Ruth Reid Koehler. He grew up on his family farm in rural Center Point.
Chris was a loyal supporter of the Center Point community where he spent his life working as a fourth-generation farmer. He attended Vinegar Hill Elementary School and graduated from Brazil High School in 1951. He married Shirley Ann Pell, the love of his life, on July 27, 1952. They met through 4-H while serving as Junior Leaders. Inseparable, they farmed and raised five children.
Chris was a trombonist and pianist and instilled his love of music in all of his children. He was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ where he had served several times on the consistory. He was also a past member of the Brazil Concert Band, the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department, the Clay County Health Board, and the Clay County Extension Board. Chris was very interested in historic preservation and furniture restoration. His home and his children’s homes reflect this love, displaying many pieces of furniture that he has restored.
For the past several years, Chris was no longer able to climb into a tractor or combine. However, he and Shirley still helped with the farming operation by taxiing the younger generations to and from the fields, making trips to John Deere for parts, or pulling into a field and sitting in their car to keep an eye on the boys farming. His knowledge and experiences were a valued asset to the younger generations until the day he died.
When Chris could no longer work in the field, he was not satisfied to sit idly and relax. He spent his winter months woodworking—building dollhouses and other projects, including four ukuleles. All of his projects reflected his patience and skills. During his springs and summers, he gardened, maintained the pool where family often gathered, and tended his and Shirley’s beautiful landscaping. He was especially proud of his roses.
If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Chris and Shirley Koehler Family Fund at the Wabash Valley Community Foundation, 200 South 8th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807.
