James W. "Muttie" Koehler, Sr

James W. "Muttie" Koehler, Sr., age 84 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, January 4, 2018, at his residence in Highland, IL. He was born on Saturday, October 7, 1933, in Highland, IL, the son of Waldo R. and Martha M. (nee Kustermann) Koehler. On Saturday, January 27, 1951, he married Joan M. Moore at Pocahontas, AR, who survives in Highland, IL. He was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL and retired Teamster Local 525. Mr. Koehler was born and grew up in Highland, IL. He worked at Alton Box Company. He operated Muttie's Tavern east of Highland and then on Broadway in town. He operated a DX Gasoline Station at Walnut and U.S. Route 40 for several years. He worked as a Teamster until retiring in 1995. He was a partner with F & K Enterprises renovating and remodeling apartments for use as rental units. He enjoyed motorcycle riding and stock car racing, and worked in the pit area of the race track. He was an officer with the Southwestern Racing Association for a number of years. He liked traveling in his motor home to visit family and friends thoughout the United States. Spending time with his family was very important to him. He loved all animals and enjoyed feeding squirrels, cats, dog and birds. For many, many years he played cards with his friends at Ed and Millie's Tavern and Hi-Top Bowl. Survivors include: Wife - Joan M. Koehler, nee Moore, Highland, IL Son - James W. (Janet) Koehler, Jr, Paradise Valley, AZ Daughter - Jamie L. Wesselmann, Highland, IL Daughter - Jody R. (David) Rouggly, Highland, IL Daughter - Janet K. (Rodney) Sullivan, Clermont, FL Sister - Mary Lou Moore, Highland, IL Grandchild - Jene' S. (Brian "Herbie") Zobrist, Highland, IL Grandchild - Julie R. (Sean) Engelmann, Trenton, IL Grandchild - John D. "JD" (Tammy) Wesselmann, Carlyle, IL Grandchild - Jaclyn N. "Jaci" (Jeremy) Nash, Saint Jacob, IL Grandchild - James W. Koehler, III, Paradise Valley, AZ Grandchild - Justin P. Koehler, Paradise Valley, AZ Great Grandchild - Maya L. Zobrist, Highland, IL Great Grandchild - Calli M. Engelmann Great Grandchild - Tucker C. Engelmann Great Grandchild - Lexa A. Nash Great Grandchild - Jaylyn R. Smollen, Saint Jacob, IL Great Grandchild - John David Wesselmann, II, Carlyle, IL Great Grandchild - Jayse D. Smollen, Saint Jacob, IL Great Grandchild - Brier C. Engelmann Great Grandchild - Kelsie A. Wesselmann, Carlyle, IL Great Grandchild - Alexis M. Wesselmann, Carlyle, IL Great Grandchild - Madilyn R. Wesselmann, Carlyle, IL Great Grandchild - Brynna A. Nash He was preceded in death by: Father - Waldo R. Koehler - Died 10/30/1985 Mother - Martha M. Koehler, nee Kustermann - Died 3/24/1979 Son - Jerry L. Koehler - Died 1963 Sister - Alice M. Manley - Died 12/26/2012 Sister - Beatrice C. "Betty" Pfister - Died 6/25/1973 Sister - Dorothy L. "Dot" Bellm - Died 5/01/1994 Son-in-law - John A. Wesselmann - Died 8/14/2017 Nephew - Roger A. Pfister, Sr - Died 3/07/2015 Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 8:00 AM to 9:45 AM on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, with Rev. Father Pat G. Jakel, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Animal Shelter or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

James W. "Muttie" Koehler, Sr

October 7, 1933 - January 4, 2018