Mark Ralph Koehler, age 65 of Carlyle, passed away at HSHS St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, Illinois, on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
Mark was born in Breese, Illinois, on July 30, 1960, a son of Eugene Koehler and Barbara (Starr) Brewer. He married Beth Wheelan on December 30, 1982, and she survives in Carlyle.
Mark was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and carried that sense of loyalty and pride throughout his life. He was the former owner of M and B’s Deer Farm and was the current owner of Good Ole Times in Carlyle, where he was well known and well liked. Mark never met a stranger—he had a wide circle of friends who loved him, and he returned that friendship fully. In his free time, he loved the freedom of the open road while riding his motorcycle.
In addition to his wife Beth, Mark is also survived by a son, Branden Koehler; a grandson, Waylon Koehler; his siblings, Mike Koehler, Ken Koehler and wife Marilyn, and Rick Koehler; his mother-in-law, Mabel Wheelan; his in-laws, Melissa Koehler, Julia Wheelan, Jane Reitz and husband David, Ellen Wheelan, and Laura Contrares and husband Casey; and a host of other relatives and good friends.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Phil Koehler, his father-in-law, Thomas Wheelan, and a sister-in-law, Jane Koehler.
A Memorial Service will be held at Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL 62231 at 7:00 PM on Monday, January 5, 2026, with Fr. Chuck Tuttle and Deacon Jay Fowler, officiating. Following the memorial service, a Celebration of Life will be held at Good Ole Times in Carlyle. Visitation will be held at Zieren Funeral Home prior to the service, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mark may be made to the charity of your choice and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
