Josephine Ann (Kunz) Koehler, 89, of Lytle, TX went to meet her Savior and join her beloved husband on Thursday, December 23rd, 2021 in Lytle.
Josie was born on March 14th, 1932 in Corpus Christi, TX to Fred and Pauline Kunz.
Josie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A beautiful, kind, patient woman, she was always eager to help others. A devout Catholic, her love for God was evident through the warm hospitality and tenderness she showed everyone around her. She enjoyed taking care of animals, painting, cooking, sewing, and playing Bunco with her friends and family. All throughout her life, she loved watching football and basketball, especially her beloved San Antonio Spurs. Some of her most cherished memories were from trips she took with family, visiting relatives, and watching her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. She always kept a beautiful garden with lots of cacti and rocks she collected from her travels. We see her in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren when they bend down and collect special rocks. She was also known for making delicious pecan pralines and her special chocolate meringue pies, which she often made for birthdays instead of cakes.
In her school years, Josie moved to Devine, TX with her family, where she met her “fly boy” Preston Koehler. After his tour of duty with the Air Force in the Korean War, they married on September 5th, 1952. They built a home on their land just outside of Lytle and raised their three children there. Tending to their land and cattle brought them great joy.
In her professional life, Josie worked several years for Central Power & Light in Devine. She then took 10 years off to raise her three children. Afterwards, she worked for Lytle Independent School District for 22 years, starting as an elementary aid. When she was promoted to high school office secretary, she definitely found her calling. She treated all staff and students with compassion and kindness, making them feel like members of her family. She was known for her welcoming smile, contagious laughter, and ability to find solutions for any problem. Being the secretary at her children’s high school also helped her keep a watchful eye; her children could not get away with any mischief!
Josie is survived by her children Brian Koehler (wife Joni), Ginger Howard (Jonathan Garcia), and Bonnie Friesenhahn (husband Tim); her grandchildren Amy Catterson (husband Daniel), Adam Koehler, Holly Muniz (husband Rene), Maggie Burleson (husband Dustin), Erin McCord (husband Tucker), Lindsay Friesenhahn, and Nicholas Friesenhahn; her great-grandchildren Gabriel Catterson, Anthony Catterson, Paxtyn Muniz, Luka Muniz, Preslee Burleson, Brooks Burleson, Brynn McCord, Evelyn McCord, and Clara McCord; and treasured friend Lois Wanjura.
Josie was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather O. W. “Buster” Gilleland, her brother Fred Kunz, Jr., and her sisters Gloria McDaniel and Flora Rose Sutton.
We would like to thank Josie’s friend and loving caregiver, Hortencia De La Garza for taking care of her at home for the last two years. We would also like to thank all the staff at Country Life Assisted Living in Lytle for their loving care for the last three months, especially her Good Shepherd Hospice nurse Paige Silva, nurse Chelsae Urrabazo, and manager Christy Gutierrez.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lytle Animal Control/Shelter or to St. Andrew Catholic Church in Lytle to honor Josie’s memory.
The funeral mass will be held Friday, December 31st, 2021 at 10:00 am at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Lytle.
Family requests that masks be worn, and social distancing be observed. Graveside services will immediately follow mass at Black Hill Cemetery at the corner of Luckey Rd and I-35 just northeast of Lytle. For further information, please visit the website of Hurley Funeral Home in Lytle.