Kathryn "Kay" J. (Rice) Koehler, age 97, of Eagan, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Preceded in death by her parents, John D. and Gertrude (Flavel) Rice; brothers, William and Robert Rice; sisters, Marjorie Johansen, Barbara Andrys; and her husband, George J. Koehler (2009).

Born and raised in Duluth, Kay was the second of six children, her older brother died when Kay was six years old.  Kay became the oldest child in the family and loved her younger siblings. Kay attended St. James Catholic School and Denfeld High School, she was member of drama club,
Girl Scouts, and the local Baton Corp.

She married George J. Koehler in 1947, they moved to Richfield, MN, and raised eight children.  In addition, Kay worked at LaBelle's and JC Penney, retiring from JC Penney in 1987.  After retirement, Kay and George moved to Lakeville, and after George's passing, Kay moved to New Perspective senior living home in Eagan.

Kay was an amazing person, strong and active all her life.  Kay and George loved learning and took their children on trips to visit family and explore new places. During their lifetime they traveled throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, they took cruises and went
to Spain, England, Mexico, and Canada. Kay enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, crocheting, sewing, jigsaw puzzles, keeping up with the local and national news, watching Masterpiece Theatre and later in life, Hallmark movies.   She made cross stitched Christmas stockings for her
great-grandchildren, cross stitched and painted sweatshirts, and t-shirts, created plastic canvas projects, and painted ceramic figurines.  Kay shared her talents through gifts and through sharing her skills with anyone who wanted to learn. While living at New Perspective, Kay was able to make a new, close circle of friends.  She enjoyed "wine club," Catholic services, the community library, and musical performances.  Most of all, Kay loved spending time with her family.  As a young person, Kay's parents' home was the place the neighborhood kids gathered.  As a parent with eight kids of her own, she welcomed her children's friends into her home.  Kay and George hosted numerous game nights, grandchildren sleepovers, cookouts, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter dinners.  Kay will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Survivors include Kay's eight children, Kay Jean Nouska, Margaret Gran, Tom Koehler (Elain Tiedt), Diane Koehler (Al Liner), Nancy K. (George) Gow, Chris Koehler (Jeff Lawrence), Joan Franklin, and John Koehler; brother, Jim (Carol) Rice; sister-in-law, Marlene Rice; and brother-in-law, Ernie Andrys.  In addition, Kay is survived by her loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Funeral service Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at All Saints Catholic Church in Lakeville, MN.  There is a Visitation at 10:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:30 a.m.  Burial service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at 1:30 p.m. Enter through Gate #2. Park in Assembly Area #4.  A Celebration of Life is planned for June 21, 2025.