John Anton Koehler, 79, of Jacksonville, IL, died Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield. He was born Nov. 28, 1941, in Alton, the son of Melvin and Elsie Friend Koehler. He married Jeanne Baptist on Sept. 5, 1968, in Jacksonville and she survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Bridget (Brian) Mueller of Chapin; three grandchildren, Brandon John Koehler of Jacksonville, and Marissa Jade Mueller and Payton Skylar Mueller, both of Chapin; three nephews that he loved and thought of as sons, Kevin L. Smith of Jacksonville, Kerry L. Smith of Edwardsville, and David E. Smith of Jacksonville; one brother, Richard (Mary Jane) Koehler of Nortonville; one sister, Donna Coleman of Murrayville; and several nieces and nephews on his side of the family. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Sandra McCollom. He loved them all! Mr. Koehler was a Vietnam War Veteran of the U.S. Army. He was drafted in 1965 and was 30 days short of his year long duty when he was shot by sniper fire. He took a bullet for his country and earned a Silver Star for gallantry in action, a Purple Heart for wounds received in action, a Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement in ground operations, among other medals earned. John worked as a brick mason, retiring in 2004 due to health reasons. He worked on some of the most iconic structures in Jacksonville and Springfield, and for some of the best contractors in both cities. He loved to hunt and fish, and some of his best times were fishing with his brother Richard, and Richards two sons, Wesley Koehler and Scott Koehler. "All of our hearts are broken right now. He will never be replaced and will always be loved and missed by all who knew him." Due to the pandemic and understanding that 50 people can be in the funeral home at one time, a walk-through visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Friday, Mar. 5, 2020, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Masks and social distancing are required. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held when the weather and COVID-19 restrictions are better. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com. Visitation Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel Friday, March 05, 2021 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 1100 Lincoln Ave. Jacksonville, Illinois 62650