Carol K Koehler

Carol Kaye (LaPorte) Kohler, age 72, died peacefully on April 7, 2026 at St. Mary’s Essentia Health in Duluth, MN, surrounded by her family.

Carol was born on Dec. 25, 1953, in Shell Lake, WI. She was the daughter of Melvin and Elaine (Salquist) LaPorte. She graduated from Spooner High School in 1972. It was there she met the love of her life, Corey Koehler. They were married on June 22, 1974, until Corey’s death on May 14, 2022. In her early years, Carol worked at several local businesses in Spooner. She and Corey then worked as co-owners and operators of Northwest Honda of Rice Lake. After that business was sold, she and Corey worked in sales for Parts Associates Inc., traveling throughout northwest WI and Upper MI. Gifted with a green thumb, she could nurture life from the smallest seedling. Her garden and yard were testaments to her patience and love for nature. She and Corey had a special love for dogs, and raised a number of Doberman and Rottweilers during their years together.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Corey, her husband of 48 years, and her brother Michael LaPorte.

She is survived by four siblings: brother Melvin (a.k.a. Bill) Laporte Jr. (Jean Kissack); sister in law, Suzanne (Michael) LaPorte; brother Gene (Kelly) LaPorte; sister, Nancy (Gregory) Harrell; and cousin Mary Jane (Pfundheller) (Ed) Schmocker, who was like a second sister; and many nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Carol’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. A gathering celebrating her life will be planned this summer.

As we remember Carol, let us carry forward her spirit of kindness, her infectious laughter, and her unwavering love for those around her.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the ER staff at Spooner Health and the ICU staff of St Mary’s Hospital for their compassionate and attentive care during Carol’s final days.

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