Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 28, 2021

CHARLOTTE – Marcia Ann Koehler was a loving wife, a wonderful mother intent on raising three children of good character, a doting grandmother and an optimistic soul who faced every challenge with grace. She never sought to climb the career ladder or live in the public eye. Instead, Marcia was content to care for her family – the glue, her loved ones agree, that kept the Koehlers together. She died suddenly on November 28, 2021. her legacy enduring in the love and admiration she earned. She was 89.

Marcia was born May 25, 1932 in Allentown, PA, the elder of Harry and Ann Zimmerman’s two daughters. She graduated from Allentown High School in 1950 and went to work for Bell Telephone Co. A year later, life took a golden turn; she went on a blind date with Truman Koehler, a chemistry major at hometown Muhlenberg College. He took her to his junior prom. Three years later, they were married, setting out on a 67 year journey where each partner flourished in their role. Truman rose in the ranks of the chemical manufacturing industry, becoming president of the Sodyeco dye manufacturing company in Charlotte in 1980. That’s what brought them here. Marcia cared for the kids and kept the household. When he’d come home and announce that his career required another move, she’d say “OK, when?”

Marcia was passionate about taking care of their three children, whether she was volunteering as PTA president or serving the family beautiful meals, colorfully placed just so on the plate. For as long as she lived, prime rib in the Koehler family was known by another name, “Grandma’s Roast”. She made time to serve as a tour guide at Discovery Place and volunteered with the old Spirit Square Auxiliary. She was a member of the Charlotte Garden Club, the Mint Museum and the Chipley Sunday School Class at Providence United Methodist Church.

Marcia is survived by her husband, Truman; three children, Jeffrey Koehler and his wife, Martina, of Charlotte, Dr. Lisa Burke and her husband, Andrew, of Charlotte, and Mark Koehler of Orlando, FL; three grandchildren, Michael and Lindsey Koehler and Adam Burke, all of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Rhea Joy Zettlemoyer and her husband, Albert, of Naples, FL; and several nieces and nephews. If only Mark could have lived a little closer – Marcia and Truman considered it a blessing that two out of three children and all three grandkids lived in Charlotte.

A service to celebrate her life will be held at the family’s church, Providence United Methodist, 2810 Providence Road, at 2:00 PM on Tuesday December 7, 2021.  Visitation will follow at the church.  The service will be streamed at https://boxcast.tv/view/marcia-koehler-memorial-service-240580

Memorials may be made to the Chipley Class at Providence United Methodist.

What a good life!

Marcia loved to play bridge and putter in the garden of their south Charlotte home. She and Truman belonged to a gourmet club for 25 years, sharing so many dinners with friends. The family still laughs about the dinner party, they hosted at their New Jersey home years ago, when the candles nearly burned the house down.

She enjoyed swimming and had a personal trainer at the YMCA for years. She took classes that challenged her – learning about mythology and computers, how to ride horses and play golf. She and Truman traveled the world. They cherished family gatherings at the holidays, and the annual beach trip to Myrtle Beach. After Lisa graduated from medical school, they took a mother-daughter trip to England and Scotland. It was one they never forgot.

Marcia Ann Koehler was a loyal friend and gracious soul who endeared herself to everyone who knew her. Mention her name and the response was always the same; “Marcia, she’s so nice.”

The Koehler family wishes to thank Mrs. Nina Jones and the Embrace Company for their support during the last year.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.