Let us tell you a story about a man named, David A. Koelling. He was 71 years old but, still acted like he was 21.
October 1, 1952, in Centralia, David was born to Harold Koelling and Ruth (Johnson) Koelling. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 1:16 PM, he peacefully left this earth after a long battle with cancer.
In his lifetime he accomplished so many things.
He graduated from college with his Masters Degree. On May 6, 1978, David married the love of his life, Sue (Running ) Koelling and she survives in Irvington. Later on David and Sue were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Cortney (Esau). Cortney was David’s world and they had so many wonderful memories. Later in life, Cortney married John Denton and they gave birth to David’s only grandson: Garrett (Maynard). He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law : George Running and his wife Brenda, a niece, and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents.
David worked for the State of Illinois Department of Human Services for several years until his retirement. David was a lifetime member of the Centralia Masonic Lodge #201, Ainad Temple Masons, and he received the Demolay International Chevalier Degree. He served as a lifetime member of the Centralia Elks Lodge #493 and also was the Past E.R. He was the past President and member of the Centralia Shrine Club. David was a past board member of the Washington County Voc. Workshop and B.C.M.W.
One of David’s hidden talents was playing the organ, he was the past organist and member at the Irvington United Methodist Church, and the past organist for the State Elks Association. Before he was unable to attend church, he and his wife, Sue, were members of the First United Methodist Church in Centralia.
David had a big heart and enjoyed having a good time. If you knew David, you probably have a wonderful memory or memories. He was definitely blessed with an amazing sense of humor.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Tony Paulson officiating. The Masonic, Shriner, and Elks Lodges will be doing their walkthroughs to give respect to David and his family at the beginning of the service. The Last Ride Motorcycle Hearse is honored to give David his last ride to Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia, where he will be laid to rest. David requested that no flowers or plants be sent to the funeral home for his service. He would like for you to make a memorial donation to the Christ Our Rock Baseball Program, which will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to David’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook Page.
