Art Koehler remembered as a man who loved Windermere, Jesus Christ

Art Koehler remembered as a man who loved Windermere, Jesus Christ

June 22, 2004

CAMDENTON – Art and Marge Koehler together served Missouri Baptists for many years at the Windermere Baptist Assembly and almost died together.

Mr. Koehler, 79, died May 17 at his home. Mrs. Koehler, 80, died June 14 at a Camdenton nursing home following a lengthy illness.

Many Missouri Baptists will remember Art Koehler as the man who played a big role in the development of Windermere Baptist Assembly at Roach.

“Many have said that Windermere was Art Koehler’s life, but I respectfully disagree,” said Bob AuBuchon, who conducted Koehler’s funeral on May 20. “Jesus Christ was Art’s life and Windermere was the means of allowing him to share that life with others.”

He was employed 32 years by the Missouri Baptist Convention as manager of Windermere, retiring in 1990.

AuBuchon is pastor of First Baptist, Camdenton, where Koehler was a member and deacon. He served as Koehler’s pastor for almost two years.

“I can say that Art Koehler loved his pastors,” AuBuchon said. “He loved me and my family very much. He always spoke words of encouragement to me.

“He also loved his church family and was faithful in attendance at all services until recently when his health would not allow him to attend. Mr. Koehler was faithful to tithe and give to offerings to the building funds to see a new addition built.

“He promoted and lived by this thought, ‘It is not ours, it is God’s’ He mentioned that to me several times.”

Koehler began his ministry at Windermere in 1958. The property had increased in size from 627 acres to 1,150 acres when he retired.

Mrs. Koehler served as the food service manager at Windermere for 32 years.