Margaret "Peggy" Mary Koehler

Margaret "Peggy" Koehler, 87, of Cascade, ID passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Peggy was born in New London, WI on November 19, 1938 and after the family moved to California, graduated from Pomona Catholic High School (1956). She attended night school at Chaffey Jr. College and earned her National American Dental Assistants Board Certification from the University of Southern California (1959) leading to employment in a dental office and the Oral Surgery Center in Pomona, CA.

In early 1957, Peggy met Curry Koehler and by 1958, their love for each other never diminished. On August 13, 1960, they wed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pomona and flourished through 65 years of loving marriage.

After raising a family in Ohio and Boise, Peggy sought more education to pursue a new career by completing training in Patient and Family Support (1990) and the Hospice Training Program (1991) and was certified by the Association for Death Education and Counseling. After surviving cancer, Peggy volunteered at St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute[MSTI] and then became a Certified Grief Counselor. This work kept her grounded in belief of helping others while sharing her knowledge by publishing "Michael's Little Sister" and “A Journey Toward Healing-A Bereavement Handbook”.

Peggy's life was marked by a rich tapestry of hobbies, community involvement, and volunteer work, reflecting her dedication to family, faith, and helping others. While family was always her number one priority, she enjoyed the lithe of a song, sunshine on her shoulders and the ability to whistle while she watered her precious flowers and garden. Peggy’s singing talents were shared with the USO, church choirs and anyone who was blessed to hear her. Happiness was in her eyes whenever she saw how others would enjoy the efforts of her cooking or baking proficiency. Whether working as Social Chairman of Rolling Hills Country Club in Ohio or assisting with the League of Women Voters, Peggy always attempted to listen and respect others’ opinions. Her skills supported "Foster Parents to Children" for the Butler County(OH) Welfare Department and helped to start the Fairfield, OH Community Blood Bank. Her Christian faith navigated her to being a member of the Cincinnati Archdiocese Lay Pastoral Council as well as caring for less fortunate individuals and volunteering for the People Helping People Program while in Ohio.

After retirement and moving to Cascade, she continued volunteering as co-coordinator of the Cancer Support Group. Her many friendships developed and brought shared joy in the "Let's Talk About it" book club, "Who Dealt?" bridge club, friends of the library and MOST IMPORTANTLY… incorporating her faith and love of God to become a Eucharistic Minister & Lector at St. Katharine Drexel in Cascade.

Peggy is survived by her husband Curry Koehler (Cascade, ID); her children: Mike & Theresa Koehler (Kennewick, WA), Joe & Michelle Koehler (Boise, ID), Kelly & Michael Steinhardt (Donnelly, ID), her brothers: Mike & Linda Kelly (Ventura, CA), Pat & Marie Kelly (Clairmont, CA), Daniel Kelly (Brule, WI); her eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents Jack & Charity Kelly (Clintonville, WI), infant child Linda Koehler, brothers John Kelly (Fullerton, CA), Timothy Kelly (Oshkosh, WI), sisters Kathleen Peterson (Stoddard, WI), Maureen Terich (Bellingham, WA) and in-laws Keith & Betty Koehler (Upland, CA).

The Celebration Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday April 11, 2026 (1pm MT) at St. Katharine Drexel Church (Cascade, ID). Internment will be immediately after the Mass at Margaret's Cemetery (Cascade, ID). The wake will follow at the American Legion-Post 60 (Cascade,ID).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to (either or both) of Peggy's selected charities:

Rise Up 2 Thrive

P.O. Box 1061

Cascade, ID 83611 

riseup2thrive.org 

Or

St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church

P.O. Box 821

McCall, ID 83638

Online condolences may be left at www.mccallfunerals.com

Arrangements in care of McCall Funeral Home.