Mary Ellen Kohler

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Mary Ellen Kohler, 89, of Gibsonburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 26, 2023. She was born on June 29, 1933, to John A. and Ellen Marie (Maillard) Nieset.  She was class president at Gibsonburg High School, and she graduated as salutatorian in 1951. On July 17, 1954, Mary Ellen married James Alfred Kohler at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Gibsonburg, where they were both members. During their marriage they were blessed with nine children and established a welcoming home on a forty-acre farm outside of Gibsonburg.

Mary Ellen was a devout Catholic and her daily life reflected her spiritual beliefs and her belief in the sanctity of life. She enjoyed attending Mass nearly every day, and was Eucharistic minister, taught CCD classes and was a member of the Altar Rosary Society.

Her love of family was equal to her faith. Mary Ellen's grandchildren and great grandchildren viewed her as the epitome of a grandmother. Her family will forever enjoy wonderful memories of Sunday dinners, when Mary Ellen shared her cooking and baking skills. Her home was always a welcoming environment for friends and family. She especially loved and looked forward to all of the gatherings centered around the Christmas holiday season.

Mary Ellen was a season ticket holder for Ohio State Buckeye games and enjoyed the entire home game environment, including pregame skull sessions and performances of the OSU marching band. Mary Ellen was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel within the US and to destinations such as Rome and Israel.

Even with all of the responsibilities that come with being a mother of nine children, Mary Ellen began a career in 1970 for Robert Veh of Veh & Son Incorporated where she was officer manager.  Her hard work and business acumen led to her to take a leap of faith when she became a co-owner of Veh & Son Furniture in 1988.  The business flourished under her ownership. She retired in 2015 after 45 years.  It is a testament to her character that Mary Ellen was able to balance her faith, love of family, and career responsibilities in a time not common for women.

 Left to treasure Mary Ellen's memory are her children, Sally (Tim) Hodson, James, Jr., Matthew, Steven, Andrew (Beth), Paul (Mindy), David, and Brian (Stacy). She is also survived by her seventeen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren and sister-in-laws Ruth Davies and Norma Friar, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her infant grandson, Patrick, by cherished daughter Kay, and by her husband Jim.

Mary Ellen's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Otterbein Pemberville SeniorLife Community  for the exceptional care they provided over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kay Kohler Family Scholarship Fund or to St. Michael's Church, Gibsonburg. For the Kay Kohler Family Scholarship Fund, you can follow the "donate" prompt by visiting: https://www.toledocf.org/scholarships/ or mail a donation made out to Greater Toledo Community Foundation,  memo:Kay Kohler Family, to Kay Kohler Family Scholarship Fund c/o Greater Toledo Community Foundation, 300 Madison Avenue, Suite 1300, Toledo, OH 43604.

Family and friends will be welcomed at the Herman- Veh Funeral Home & Crematory, 319 W. Madison Street, Gibsonburg, OH, 43431, on Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A rosary service will begin at the funeral home at 7:30 PM.  A time for gathering and quiet reflection will be offered at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 317 E. Madison Street in Gibsonburg, beginning at 9:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 AM. Fr. Matthew Frisbee will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Gibsonburg. For those unable to attend, live-streaming of Mary's funeral services will be available on her obituary page.

To express online condolences or watch Mary's Tribute Video or funeral services, please visit: www.hermanfh.com