"Susan, I just read about Bob's passing. It's odd but I was just sharing stories about you two and the student service center at the high school. He was a good man. I'm glad I got to know you both and share a bit of your life. My condolences."
In loving memory of
Robert Paul "Bob" Koehs Jr.
January 19, 1947 - February 19, 2013
Our Dad, Grandpa, Husband and Friend, Robert (Bob) Paul Koehs, Jr. entered into eternal life on 19 February 2013. He passed peacefully holding the hands of his family at our home in Marquette.
Bob was a lover of life and the people he shared it with. He was born 19 January 1947 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His father served in the military and together with his mother gave Bob the opportunity to experience life in different countries during his childhood, including Japan, Germany and the United States. He is the eldest of seven children and was a very loving brother and caregiver of his younger siblings during the difficult time after their mother passed when he was 12.
After graduating from high school, Bob joined the military and served on the navy ships during the Vietnam War. When he left the navy, he moved to Marquette to attend Northern Michigan University where he received his B. A. He later continued his education at Michigan State University, where he earned a M.A. He also received Ed Specialist degree and always considered himself a "life-long learner".
Bob had a long career as a talented educator with a passion for teaching both young people and other teachers. His first teaching job was at the "New School" and shortly after he became one of the owners of the Lake Superior Children Center Montessori School. Most of his life's work was spent working at MARESA, where he taught teachers, supported the advancement of girls in math and science, and participated in ensuring innovation and the best teaching practices reached the Marquette-Alger County Schools. He later became the Principal of Autrain Schools and then superintendent of Powell Township schools. At the end of his career, he returned to teaching young people at the Great Lakes Recovery Centers. He truly enjoyed working with these youth as both their teacher and friend who could be there for them as they faced and worked to overcome some of the most trying challenges of their lives.
Having had major challenges in childhood, mainly due to the passing of his mother and frequent moves with his military family, Bob treasured parenthood and family life as an adult. He was an amazing father and grandfather and he and Jan Perrault truly enjoyed parenting together. They were constantly involved in every aspect of raising their children and always had time for them and their beautiful granddaughters. Bob spent countless hours with Jess, Chris, Sahyra and Khanyisa - educating them, reading to them, caring for them when they were sick, sharing his love for Tiger baseball, dance and song, and, of course, taking them for adventures throughout the United States and the world.
Bob and Sue fell in love and were married on 8 November 2008. Bob fell ill shortly after and had a double lung transplant at Mayo Clinic. They spent their first anniversary at the Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester MN under the wonderful care of the Mayo Clinic Transplant Center. It is there that they met many new lifelong friends.
Although Bob and Sue only had a few short years together, they took every opportunity to live and love life to the fullest. Sue made Bob the "happiest man in the world" and it was her love that sustained him through some of his most difficult as well as some of his most wonderful moments. Despite his illness, they enjoyed life together immensely and had many exciting adventures by land and by sea.
Bob was a renaissance man who loved travelling, learning history, appreciating art and loving as much of life as he could. He believed in living life to the fullest and loved people that were in his life, no matter how short or how different they may be. He believed in the power of ideas and taking the necessary action to make the world better than he found it. He enjoyed challenging the status quo and always believed in humanity's ability to do better. He became a teacher, not to get a job, but to contribute, give his passion, and to challenge conventional outdated practices. He made learning exciting, real and an amazing experience for the students he taught and the teachers who taught them. He taught teachers to believe in their ability to transform the lives of children and in the tremendous role they played in shaping these young personalities. He would fight for the voiceless and believed in the equality of education. Ensuring math and science was promoted to girls was a great passion of his. One of his last big smiles was when he heard his granddaughter Sahyra tell him "math and science are my favorite subjects and I still want to be a surgeon and veterinarian."
In his son Chris' words, "he was my Dad, my mentor, my friend, and my inspiration. He taught me the great gift of life comes from the joy you receive from helping others, especially those who need it the most. He will be missed here but I know his teaching and compassion will stay with my family and so many more he has touched. Love you Dad."
He is survived his wife Susan Koehs, daughter Jessica Koehs, son Christopher Koehs and granddaughters Sahyra Benson-Koehs and Khanyisa Mfeka-Koehs; his brother Mike Koehs and wife Cheryl and their children; sister Marcy Romps and her husband Tom and their children; brother Ed Koehs and wife Brenda and their children; sister Connie Longsworth and her husband Jerry and their children; and sister Kim Allison and her husband Jim and their children; his stepmother Jean Donley Koehs; his loving cousins Rhonda, Donna and Vicky and their families; His "Donor Angel" Chelsea's family who allowed him to have 3 more wonderful years with the lung transplant including her parents, Terri and Byron Nielson; her sister, Janaya Nielson and her aunts, Kerri and Mary; and his caregiver, lifelong friend, and the person he considered to also be his daughter, Belle Matheson, who cared for him and supported the family during his last days. His father, Robert Paul Koehs Sr., mother Elaine Mick Koehs and brother James Koehs are now joined with him in eternal life.
Services will be held at Canale Tonella Funeral Home located at 526 N. Third Street in Marquette, Michigan. All who knew and loved Bob are welcome to attend. The visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Leon Jarvis officiating.
For those who would like to make contributions in memory of Bob, his family would appreciate your support for the Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 Second Street SW?Rochester, MN 55902; Telephone: 507-288-7470 (or donate online at http://www.gift-of-life.org/forms/donations.php )
Memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"I just learned of Bob's passing. Much sympathy sent to his whole loving family - and to his friends who will miss him desperately. Bob touched my life at Negaunee High School in the mid-70's when he was the leader of the Student Service Center and Jan was Home Ec teacher. He was a patient, caring and understanding man who showed me my first glimpse into sociology. He most likely would not even remember me seeing that there were so very many lives he touched... but I want you all to know that HE is remembered with great respect and admiration. In Bob's photos I can still see the kindness and intensity in his eyes. I wish you all God's peace at this difficult time."
"So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I was his first roommate at NMU in September of 1969. I am sorry that I have not seen him since our NMU days but take comfort knowing he had a happy life. -Commissioner Jim Graham, Saginaw, MI"
"So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I only knew him from his time playing golf at Marquette Golf Club, but was always impressed with his class and demeanor. Reading about the full life he lived and the lives he touched through his work has not surprised me in the least. My sympathies and condolences to all who will miss him."
"Dear Jess and Family, May the peace of God that surpassess all understanding be your comfort during this season. May the Lord be you Father, comforter as you embrace your loss. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. May his light and love continue to shine through you and the family. Lots of Love Jacky Aligula"
"Dear Jessie and family, I am so saddened to hear the loss of your father. We are Praying for you at this difficult time. I was so unfortunate not being able to meet your father. But i heard great things about him. May the Lord give you strength and lift you up. On behalf of my family back in Tanzania, please accept our condolences."
"I am so sorry for your loss. He spent his life giving to others. May your memories help you through this difficult time."
"Sue and all the Koehs family, How we miss the person of Bob, but how we cherish the memories of the times we interacted with him at the many events. He certainly had an impact on education and educators in the central Upper Michigan area. My condolences to you."
"Dear Sue and all the Koehs family, Bob was a wonderful person and I always enjoyed talking to him on just about any subject. He was a great listener and always made you feel that he was extremely interested in you and your activities. I'll always remember his days as M.C. at the annual MAISD(MARESA) Christmas parties and his "fancy black tie" suit that I think he picked up at a rummage sale somewhere. He loved to be kidded about it. He was an early applicator of technology in classrooms so I had a chance to work with him quite a bit during my days working for the ISD. He was a pleasure to know and work with. He left us too soon and will be sorely missed by all. Peg and I offer our sincere condolences"
"Koeh's family, I am sorry for your loss. Bob & Jan took me into their home when Jessica was 18months old. I was a rebellious teen who needed some guidance and they were there for me. I will never forget the kindness they showed and Bob's gentle way of guiding me in the right direction. May he rest in peace."
"I met Bob through his work with the ISD. He led the math/science group that I was part of for many years. I will always remember Bob as a kind, gentle man who would help anyone. The world lost a lovely person with his passing."
"Koehs' family: I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was an inspiration to me when he came to Powell Twp. as Superintendent/Principal. Even through adversity, he was always generous, kind and joyful. He will be missed. Love and Prayers going out to you!"
"To borrow from Chris' sentiments, "... He taught me the great gift of life comes from the joy of helping others, especially those who need it most ...", which reminds me of how he sourced for my first laptop at ebay in 2002, with such fervor that it arrived in Minneapolis just a few hours before I left USA. I shudder to think of the extent of the loss his family. Love and prayers."
"Jessie and Chris, I was so sorry to hear the sad news about your Dad. He was a wonderful mentor to all of us in education and so supportive of both of you. Whenever I would see him he always had an update on you two and was so proud to share it. Enjoy your special memories from a caring Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Carol Buzzo"
"Susan & family, so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Prayers go out to your whole family."
"Jess and Chris, I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your father. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Larissa"
"So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I indirectly worked with him at Great Lakes Recovery Centers. Bob always had a kind word to say and a smile. Even when he was not feeling well, he always had his smile. Hugs to all -"
"To all of Bob's family: Bob never failed to have a smile for me when we'd meet in passing. To be honest, I don't even remember how we became acquainted. . .I suspect we served together on one committee or another. His smile spoke volumes about the kind man that he was. My condolences on your loss."
"Bob's family, I am very saddened to hear of Bob's "walking on". He was truly a gentle spirit and a loving, caring man. You are all in my prayers."
"I was so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. I worked with him while I taught at Superior Central school. My condolences to Sue and all of Bob's family."
"I am very sad to hear of Bob's passing. I hope your family will have many wonderful memories to share as you grieve for him. He will be missed by educators across the U.P."
"I was sad to hear of Bob's death. He was a wonderful teacher and friend to so many in education in our area. He touched so many lives in such wonderful ways! On behalf of AuTrain-Onota Public Schools, I offer heartfelt condolences to Bob's family. We will greatly miss him!"
"Dear Chris, just to tell you that you and your family are in our prayers. From my own experience, I know how heartbreaking it is to lose a dad. Though its one of those life events that I don't think one ever "gets over", with time, it does become easer to remember and celebrate the legacy that your father has left behind. Peace and blessings to you."
"Dearest Jessica, I am saddened to learn about the death of your dad. So many of us have been praying and thinking of him since your last email message. Please accpet my heartfelt condolences. Faisal"
"I will never forget the friend and teacher Bob was to me, He has always been in my thoughts. The world is a much dimmer place today."
"I will always remember the times spent with Uncle Bob... Always a smiling face and a big hug whether I hadn't seen him for two days or two years. His way of approaching life set a great example for friends and family, and I know he's proud to see the way his influence lives on in all of us. Aunt Sue, Jessie, and Chris...I wish we could do or say something to ease your sadness. Just know that we love you deeply and that we see a part of Uncle Bob in each of you...he will always be there. I'm personally thankful that one of his final accomplishments was to bring most of our far-flung family together for a time...just his way of reminding us all what is important, I think. -Mike & Denise"
"Sue, Jessie & Chris - we will always remember fondly the great memories that we have had with Uncle Bob. To say he was one of a kind doesn't hardly explain what a sweet soul he was. He never met a stranger, and he was always full of optimism. We will miss him!! Much love & many prayers to you all. xoxo Bill, Julie, Maddie & CJ"
"I was touched some years ago by Mr. Koehs' spirit, his teaching techniques and outlook on learning. This brief meeting was a molding moment in my own life to which I have never forgotten and am very thankful. May his wisdom live on through the many people that were fortunate to have crossed paths."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with our loving best friends in this difficult time. You were constantly on our minds. Bob will be greatly missed!!! We were so fortunate to have the pleasure of meeting and getting to know this wonderful, caring and kind-hearted man and were able to have some cherished memories of good times with Bob and Sue when they were here in Rochester, MN many times throughout the last three years. I met Sue many years ago when she lived in Rochester and we became wonderful friends. I am sorry that we won't be able to attend the funeral due to inclement weather but we are planning to come and spend some time with you Sue in a few weeks when the weather is better now that Chuck "Duke" is totally retired. The love that you and Bob shared was inseparable and what a 'neat' couple. Thank heavens Bob will not have to suffer the pain anymore and is in a good place with the Dear Lord. May the Good Lord Keep You in His Embrace Forever! All our love...Chuck "Duke" and Mar DeVos"
"Sue, I am so sorry. I have known Bob for many years and he was always so kind and and a true gentleman. Cherish the time that you had together, I could see the see the love that you had for each other. My prayers are with you, Bob, and his family."
""Bob will be sadly missed. I had the pleasure of working with him many years ago at Powell Twshp as we both believed in inovated humanitarian ways of helping children learn. His positve, gentle, wise nature will be such a loss to this area". He was a great man with a kind heart."
"Bob leaves a lasting imprint in the Upper Peninsula through his influence on educators and students throughout the region. Gretchen and I send our sincere condolences."
"Dear Family of Bob, Please accept our sincere sympathy. I so enjoyed working with Bob during our many years in education together! He left a positive effect for multitudes of educators and children that will continue forever! Bless all of you! Linda Goodman and family"
"Our loving brother, we will miss you. Thank you for the beautiful memories."
"Dear Sue & Family~ We were so sorry to hear about Bob. Cherish the memories... I know we will! With Sincere Sympathy ~ Sid & Janet"
"I am so glad I had a chance to know and work with Bob at Marquette-Alger ISD. He was a great presenter. He knew how to keep your attention and he had a great sense of humor."