Patricia A. “Patty” Koehler, age 80 of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Patty’s life, a Celebration of Life for her and Dave is being scheduled for a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Patty’s family.

Patty was born on January 5, 1939 in Dubuque, the only daughter of Joseph and Imelda (Pelzer) Shannon. Patty was always proud to be able to say that she spent her entire 80 years of life right here in Dubuque. She made many friends along the way, eagerly participated in the creation of countless wonderful memories for others to treasure and was most importantly blessed with her own family to love and adore. She met her soul-mate, Dave Koehler at the spry age of 13 and the two were eventually united in marriage on April 27, 1957. Sadly, Dave was called home in 2015, but we know and trust that they have now begun their 62nd Anniversary together once again in their Heavenly Home.

Patty always enjoyed working behind the bar, most notably at the Golden Pheasant, the Double J and the Copper Kettle over her working years. Her work ethic was second to none, and thankfully her outgoing nature, big kind heart and delightfully witty sense of humor came right along with the package. She could brighten any day, change the outlook of any situation and even tackle the impossible by simply listening with sincerity. When the workday was over, you could quite often find this River Rat right where she felt at home, or if the weather wasn’t cooperating, a few good hands of Euchre and Pinochle with friends would just as easily fill the day.

Patty would readily admit that work and play were continually in her top 3 priorities in life, but that nothing could ever compare to her #1 goal in life; Her Family. She loved her husband and daughters dearly, but once her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, her heart blossomed even more. She never missed an opportunity to spend quality time with any of them and always savored any interaction where she could truly get caught up on their lives. Patty was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother who has steadfastly built a legacy which will be carried forward in the minds of all who knew and loved her. We will miss Patty more than words could ever truly depict, but we are also beyond grateful for all of the time the Lord gave us with her and we will always remember to do our best to actively live out in our personal lives all of the positive traits she leaves behind.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Patty include,

her daughters,
Kim (John) Rogers,
Kelley (Mike) Vondal,
and Kerry Koehler, all of Dubuque, Iowa;

her 8 grandchildren,
Harley (Brandy) Harry, Joseph (Stacy) Harry, Alicia Vondal, Lyndsey (Seth Steinlage) Vondal, Alex (Tasha Scheffert) Vondal, Layla (Sam Houselog) Vondal, Alea (fiancé Kyle Cashman) Vondal, Katelin Wright and Craig (Dwight) Wright;

her 9 great-grandchildren,
Jacob, Hailey, Thomas III, Wyatt, Gavin, Korra, Logan, Brycen, Nevaeh and Kiley Jo;

her brother,
Terry (Doris) Shannon, Dubuque, Iowa;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert (June) Shannon.

Patty’s family would like to thank Dr. Gordon, along with the nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital for all of the professional, compassionate and gentle care they provided to Patty, and her family.

Online condolences may be shared with Patty’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

“When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand. The angel said my place was ready in Heaven far above and that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But, when I walked through Heaven’s Gates, I felt so much at home, for God looked down and smiled and said, “Welcome Home Patty”. So, when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.”