Arthur L. Koehlar

Arthur "Art" L. Koehlar, 86, of Topeka, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026.

He was born November 15, 1939, in Rock Creek, Kansas, the son of Floyd Frederick and Ida Mae (Smith) Koehlar.

Arthur attended Washburn University.

He retired from Southwestern Bell in 1991.

Arthur married the love of his life Iris Jean Custer, May 24, 1977 in Dayton, Ohio. She preceded him in death in 2016.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.

Survivors include two daughters, Linda (Leslie) Curtis, Abilene, KS, Barbara (Ken Burkey)Troupe, Mayetta, KS; grandchildren, Joshua (Carisa) Curtis, Blaine (Dawn) Curtis, Nathan (Jessica) Curtis; great grandchildren, Ariana (Ridge) McCoy, Adeline Curtis, Declan Curtis; one great great-grandson, Myles McCoy; and nieces and nephews, Jack (Lori) Koehlar, Jackie Koehlar, Mona Benton, Stephanie (Mark) Barnett; a great nephew, Jason Benton and a host of friends.

Mr. Koehlar was a member of First Southern Baptist Church of Topeka for 49 years. He participated in many church activities.

Early in his life Arthur was an avid waterfowl hunter. He enjoyed flying RC airplanes and gliders. He especially cherished traveling with his wife Iris.

Per his wishes, Arthur has been cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Monday, January 26, 2026 in the fellowship hall at First Southern Baptist Church. Private interment of the cremated remains will be in West Lawn Memorial Gardens at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to First Southern Baptist Church or Midland Hospice.

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