Robert Koehnke Obituary

Robert Merle Koehnke

June 9, 1927 - July 10, 2024

Gig Harbor, Washington - Robert M. Koehnke, 97, of Gig Harbor died peacefully July 10, 2024, surrounded by his family. Bob's career as a music educator spanned 37 years. Early in his life in Chadron, Nebraska, he developed a love of music, especially jazz. He played dances as a teenager and even traveled with a big band during his college years. In 1945, during WWII, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base in the Chicago area he was able to get into the city on leave to enjoy the music of the big bands that played Chicago in those times. Bob held a BA degree from Chadron State College and an MA from the University of Iowa. Bob married Nan in 1953. Their 70th anniversary was celebrated last Dec with great joy and amazement! After retirement he enjoyed years of world travel, volunteering, golf, playing with a German band, Dixieland group, the local civic orchestra and especially hanging out with his loving family. Bob is survived by wife Nan, son Bob (Carol), daughters Kristan (Matthew), Julie (Jeff), and Susan (Joe), 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at the Gig Harbor United Methodist Church Sunday, July 28, at 2:30.