Mildred Inez Frick Koehler

    Mildred Inez Frick Koehler, 103, was called home on the morning of February 21, 2025, in Lamesa, Texas. Born on September 21, 1921, in Winters, Texas, to Theodore George (Taylor) Frick and Bertha Clara (Betty) Bredemeyer Frick, she was a proud graduate of Winters High School. Mildred married Francis David Koehler in Ballinger, Texas, on June 8, 1940, a union that would last 64 years until his passing in 2004.
    In 1944, they moved from Winters to the Klondike community where Francis farmed with Mildred by his side. She spent many days hoeing in the field with Francis and their children, followed by evenings taking care of the home. An excellent seamstress, Mildred created beautiful clothing and quilts for five generations of family members. She loved volunteering as a Pink Lady at Medical Arts Hospital in Lamesa for many years. After her children were grown, Mildred enjoyed working in several roles with two generations of students at Klondike Elementary from 1970 until her retirement in 1994. A faithful member of Klondike Baptist Church, she served for decades as the church secretary. An avid walker in retirement, Mildred was very proud to walk again after two hip replacements in her late nineties. Most of all, she loved connecting with family and friends through the hundreds of birthday cards that she sent every year. Many children (some now grandparents themselves) from Klondike have received birthday cards, including the requisite piece of gum, every year of their lives.
    Mildred was welcomed into Heaven with open arms by her husband, Francis; her siblings Robert Frick, George & Jessie Frick, Lorena (Rene) & Alton Pumphrey, T.G. Frick, and James D. (Shorty) & Ouida Frick; her son, Jimmie Koehler; and her grandson, J.J. Koehler. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Evelyn Frick Gray, of Granbury; daughter, Judy & Larry Turner, of Sparenberg; daughter-in-law, Pam Koehler of Lamesa; and son, Ricky & Nelva Koehler of Lamesa. Mildred was “Nannie” to her grandchildren, Lane & Kim Turner, M’Lyn & Kris Hefner, Kara Koehler, Kristi & Ernie McCrary, Jon Koehler & Mitch Moctezuma, Angie & Anthony Cobb, and David Koehler. Great-grandchildren include Hayden & Ben Jordan, Easton Turner, Landry & Trey Stephens, Holden Hefner, Hudson Hefner, Madelyn McCrary, Kamron Koehler, Reagan Koehler, Brayden Koehler, Zoe Cobb, and Dakota Cobb. She was especially proud to have a great-great-grandson, Brooks Jordan. Mildred is also survived by many nieces and nephews that were all very special to her.
    The family suggests memorials to the J.J. Koehler Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Lamesa National Bank (602 S. 1st Street, Lamesa, TX 79331), the Dawson County Public Library (511 N. 3a Street, Lamesa, TX 79331), or a charity of your choice.
    Memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Second Baptist Church with Pastor Mike Wilcox officiating. Private burial will be held at Dawson County Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Branon Funeral Home. Visitation will follow the service at Second Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.     
    To send condolences online, please visit www.branonfuneralhome.com.

– Press-Reporter obituary services