Janette Kohler

Jan Kohler passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, in Chestertown, MD, on the morning of July 5, 2020. Jan was born in Moses Lake, WA, December 31, 1955. Her parents were Robert and Delores Merriman. Jan lived most of her life between Florida and Maryland. She married Daniel N. Kohler on January 22nd, 1977. She graduated from Mount St. Mary’s in 1977 with a Bachelor's of Science in Business and Finance. Her son, Daniel R. Kohler, was born in 1980, and her daughter, Katherine J. Kohler, was born in 1982. Positivity, optimism, and perseverance are only a few of the many high quality character traits that Janette (Jan) Kohler would display on a daily basis. She went through more challenging situations than most people could imagine. Rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and numerous surgeries for one thing or another could not bring down her spirit. She has always been there for her family and friends with a kind word of encouragement and a smile that would lift you up above the daily grind. When asked about how she was able to work through the difficulties of life with such a smile and a can-do attitude, she had one answer: big faith! Jan’s career was spent owning and running a State Farm Agency in Stuart, FL. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Chestertown, MD. Jan loved spending time with her family, made visits and talks with them a priority every day, and was always the driving force to bring everyone together. She found joy in playing with her grandkids; going on drives and taking road trips with Dan; organizing family vacations; cooking meals; spending time at the beach; going on the boat; playing with her dogs; sewing; gardening; spending time in prayer; attending church; reading the newspaper; playing piano; playing board games; making everyone laugh; and coming up with nicknames (many loved to call her by her nickname Juana). The truth is that when looking back on what she did every day, it is unbelievable how Jan spent so much of her daily life simply helping others. She is survived by her husband, Daniel (Dan) Kohler; son, Daniel (Danny) R. Kohler; daughter, Katherine (Katie) Kohler; daughter-in-law, Lindsay Kohler; granddaughters, Cassidy (Cassie) Kohler and Danielle Kohler; mother, Delores (Dee) Merriman; brother, Russell (Russ) Merriman; niece, Victoria Merriman; and nephew, Matthew Merriman. No matter where she went or what she did she touched the peoples’ lives with something that truly cannot be described. Every individual that she has known has come away as a better person with a sense of gratitude for having known her. It is sad that no one else will have the opportunity to experience the beauty that Jan brought to this world. We will always have a piece of her in our heart that we can carry with us so that in times of difficulty we can call on her to lift us up above the drudgery. Life can be tough and Jan knew how to make it better. Even though she is no longer with us we should be thankful that a human like her existed. She loved everyone and would give herself to the people around her. No matter how big or small of a problem you had you could talk to her, and she would truly listen. Most people are so concerned about their own issues that they cannot fully give themselves to others.Jan could give herself to you completely. Her love and dedication to the people around her made you feel special. In times of crisis it was amazing to have a person like Jan in your life. You could call on her no matter the circumstances, and you would be loved. If more people in this world could live like Jan we would be in a better place. Her soul will live on in all of us, and we should all strive to live a little like Jan did. We should all put love and empathy above all else. We should be there for one another and offer just a small piece of ourselves to one another. If we can spend more time loving and caring for one another then Jan would be happy. She wants us to be happy and to stay positive. Thank you Jan for always putting us first. We love you and we miss you! The family is asking that any remembrances of Jan be sent to Lutheran World Relief (www.lwr.org). If you would like to share some words, photos, videos, or anything else to celebrate the life of Jan, please add them here. Services are being held privately.

Janette Kohler

December 31, 1955 - July 5, 2020