Brad "Tattoo" Koehler

John Bradley 'Tattoo' Koehler, 59, of Olney, IL, died at 12:40 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2015 in the comfort of his home. He was born November 25, 1955 in Springfield, IL, the son of John N. Koehler & Melba Wyzard Koehler. He is survived by his father, John N. Koehler (Quincy, IL); his son & daughter-in-law, Jason Bradley & Alliscia Koehler (Macon, IL); his daughters & sons-in-law, Amanda Suzanne & Craig Glos (Joliet, IL) and Cassandra Elizabeth & Shane Kurpiel (Ste. Marie, IL); five grandchildren; his domestic partner, Kathryn Daniels (Olney, IL); his sister-in-law, Darlene Koehler (Beecher City, IL); his step-brothers, Dana Myers (Quincy, IL) and Steven Myers (Sunrise Beach, MO); and his step-sister, Rebecca Goerlich (Tucson, AZ). He was preceded in death by his mother Melba; his step-mother Betty; and by his brother, Steven Otis Koehler, Sr. Brad served his country for six years in the U.S. Navy. After his stint in the Navy was over, Brad went to work for Ameren Electric, where he worked for 34 years before retiring in 2011. Away from work, Brad could be found riding his motorcycle or participating in Masonic functions. He was a member of the Newton Masonic Lodge #216 (where he served as Worshipful Master in 2006 and 2007), the West Salem Lodge #866, the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite, the Bridgeport York Rite, the Ainad Shrine Temple, the Ainad Legion of Honor, the Ainad Shrine Riders (which he founded and presided over), the Louisville American Legion Riders, Richland County ABATE, Rolling Thunder IL #3, Central Illinois Effingham Hog Chapter, the Illinois Patriot Guard, the Flora American Legion Post #14, and the Olney V.F.W. Men's Auxiliary #4226. He will long be remembered as a man who never lived life halfway. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3rd at the Masonic Lodge #216 in Newton, IL. Masonic rites will follow the visitation and will start at 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th at the Masonic Lodge #216 in Newton, with Rev. Dale Akers officiating the service. A motorcycle motorcade will take Brad to his final resting place in the Kaskaskia Cemetery, rural St. Elmo, IL, where military rites are to be held. All are encouraged to ride along and wear biker attire. His family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children. The Newton Masonic Lodge will be collecting donations during the visitation and funeral. Donations may also be mailed to Steve Kibler at P.O. Box 12, Dieterich, IL 62424, in memory of Brad 'Tattoo' Koehler. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, IL is in charge of arrangements.