Lela (Koehler) Buchholz

Lela Annetta (Koehler) Buchholz, 97, of rural Table Rock, passed away November 5, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Center in Auburn, Nebraska. She was born to Albert and Lena (Johnson) Koehler on October 18, 1923 on the family farm near Humboldt, Nebraska. She was one of six children. Lela was baptized Nov. 18, 1923 and confirmed March 6, 1938 at the St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church, rural Humboldt, NE. She received her education at Prairie Hill Rural School District #46 through the eighth grade.

She was united in marriage to Harold Buchholz on April 20, 1944 at St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church. To this union three children were born, Janice, Milton and Karen. After their marriage they lived on the same farm where Harold was born.

Lela was a partner with Harold in the farm operation and enjoyed being a homemaker and farm wife. She was a lifetime member of St. James where she was active in Luther League and was a charter member of the Mary Martha Circle. Lela loved birthday parties with family and friends, playing cards, baking, mowing the yard, taking drives in the country, and reciting The Lord’s Prayer with her family on a daily basis. Lela especially loved spending time with family, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lela is survived by her children, Janice Price of Curtis, Milton Buchholz of Elk Creek and Karen Smith and husband Brian of North Carolina, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Michelle Axelson and husband Lennie and daughter Kelsie, Jennifer Newcomb and husband William and son Lucas, Melissa Breazile, Nicole Rogers and husband Stephen and children Mason and Summer, Damian Cooper and wife Elise and children, Olivia, Xavier, Wesley and Sammy, Shaun Smith and wife Courtney and children Kristina, Katelyn and Chloe, Ashley Mitchell and husband Zach and children Joshua and Leila and Megan McGrath and husband Rodney and children, Abigail, Owen, Maverick and Elissa, sister-in-law, Elma Lee Buchholz of Table Rock and nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold, son-in-law Del Price, brothers Edwin, Clarence (Hulda), Wilber (Iona) and Glenn (Verna Mae) Koehler and sister Lenora (Lawrence) Volker.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at the St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church, rural Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastors Eric and Amalia Spruth-Janssen officiating. Organist, Carolyn Hahn accompanied “It Is Well With My Soul” and special music included “Jesus Loves Me” accompanied by Kyria Spruth-Janssen and “How Great Thou Art” by vocalist Isaiah Spruth-Janssen. Pallbearers were Wayne Koehler, Rev. Kenneth Ahntholz, Gary Buchholz, Keith Volker, Randy Koehler and Brian Koehler. Honorary pallbearers were Leland Volker, Gerold Koehler, Kenneth Volker, Roger Koehler, Daryl Buchholz, Randy Fritch and Brice Volker. Interment was in the St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Cemetery, rural Humboldt, Nebraska. Memorials may go to the family’s choice. Services were entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.