John Thomas Koochel, 80, passed away Jan. 28, 2025, surrounded by his family at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kan. He was born on Jan. 31, 1944, in Great Bend, Kan., to Olin and Dorothy (Wilhelm) Koochel. On June 10, 1964, he married Shirley Mauler at St. Ann Catholic Church in Olmitz, Kan.

A lifetime resident, John proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He started working at Doonan Truck and Equipment at 16 years old, and spent the entirety of his working years with the company, retiring as the body shop foreman and working at Doonan Specialized Trailer. Along with this work, he also owned and operated John’s Repair, working on transmissions, specializing in GM vehicles. John enjoyed working on cars, including those in the family, and was very engineering and mechanically minded. Because of his dedication to his craft – always studying and taking courses to make sure he knew the latest in automotive technology – he earned his ASE Master Technician accreditation and a spot in the Autmotive Hall of Fame. He was member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, American Legion Post 180, and TT Guild. John was a handy man who also had a talent for woodworking, enjoyed traveling with his family and on bus trips, and loved spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of the home; and daughter, Tina Koochel of Great Bend. He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Larry Koochel.

Visitation will take place from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, with family receiving guests 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Father Aneesh Parappanattu and concelebrant Father Bob Schremmer presiding. A rosary will be said at 10 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery, with military rights presented by Fort Riley Honor Guard and American Legion Riders. Memorials have been designated to Central Care Cancer Center, American Legion Post #180, or Golden Belt Humane Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 1, 2025