David R. Koehnke

David R. “Dave” Koehnke, age 92 of Appleton, WI passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. David was born on January 24, 1934 in Appleton, son of the late Ralph Sr. and Agnes (Ellenbecker) Koehnke, the third oldest of 17 children. After graduating from Hortonville High School, he served in the United States Army for three years. David married Carleen Schroth on May 9, 1964. He worked for the American National Can Co. for 42 years at the Menasha plant as a pressman, retiring in 1996.

David enjoyed camping, NASCAR races, watching the Packers and Brewers, playing cards, and especially bowling every Monday on a Senior League. David also enjoyed taking many vacations to Arizona and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Carleen; his daughter, Gail (Tim) Sommers; his son, Paul Koehnke; his grandchildren, Jill (Patrick) Griesbach, Emily (John) Patek, and Ryan and Carley Sommers; and his great-grandchildren, Cecilia and James Patek. He is further survived by his brothers, Ralph Jr., Marvin (Cathy) Koehnke, Robert, Richard, Gary (special friend Patti), and Roger Koehnke; his sisters, Geraldine Schroeder, Marion Sepich, Linda Vonck; his sisters-in-law, Patricia Koehnke and Yvonne Wagner; his brother-in-law, Gary (Joyce) Schroth; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Victor (Evelyn) Schroth; his brothers, Kenneth, Donald, and Leroy Koehnke, his sisters, Beatrice (Lloyd) Arnoldussen, Nancy (Roy) Mandel, Jeanette (Donald Houle) (Jack) Yogerst, Vivian (Melvin) Plamann; and his brothers-in-law, Ronald Schroeder, John Sepich, Jim Vonck, and Russell Wagner.

A funeral visitation will be held for David from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. on Monday, November 2nd, 2026 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine Street, Appleton, WI 54914 with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 A.M. David will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton, WI.

David’s family would like to thank the Compassus Hospice team for the care and compassion they provided for David.

David’s kindness, generosity, and love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. Hon, dad, grandpa, and papa, we will miss you until we meet again.