Hans Joachim Koehl, 85, of Belleville, IL, was born on January 9, 1940, in Stuttgart, Germany, and passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, May 20, 2025, with his loved ones by his side.
Hans, better known as ‘Hanno’ by his family and close friends, was born and raised in Stuttgart, Germany until he followed his dreams to venture to the United States to start a life of his own. He earned his Architectural Degree while in Germany. In 1960, at the young age of 20, he boarded a ship to the U.S. through an exchange student program. After a few years in the States, he returned to Germany, but in 1963 he made the decision to permanently immigrate to the United States as a first- generation immigrant.
In 1991, Hans married Sherry, his beloved wife of nearly 35 years. The following year, they welcomed their daughter, Heidi, into the world. He loved his little family and took immense pride in being the best husband and dad – two titles he certainly lived up to. He poured his heart and soul into being a dad, his favorite role. He taught Heidi a multitude of things, especially how to work hard, persevere, cherish meaningful moments, overcome adversity (something he had done so many times throughout his life), and the creative ability to knit, crochet, and weave, among many other gifts he passed down with love.
Hans was a professional architect for 60 years, licensed in Illinois and Missouri. For 55 of those years, he owned his own firm, Hans Koehl Architect-Designer, after leaving a large St. Louis firm. He completed countless residential and commercial projects and took great pride in every detail of his work. He was especially passionate about designing unique homes, drawn to both the creative freedom they offered and the relationships he built with clients. One of his proudest accomplishments was designing and building his own home from the ground up – a labor of love and a lifetime of family memories were created at 333. He drafted all of his architectural drawings by hand, finding it more fulfilling and creatively rich than using computer-aided drafting.
In the late 70’s and into the early 80’s, Hans served as President of the Historic Preservation Commission in Belleville as he specialized and appreciated local historic preservation. For many years, Hans was also a member of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), the most influential network of architect and design professionals.
Hans had a passion for both domestic and international travel. He particularly enjoyed exploring Europe – especially Switzerland. Trips were taken overseas as frequent as possible to spend time at his family home in Stuttgart and sight see together. Within the U.S., he was especially fond of the Southwest, notably Arizona, New Mexico, and the Dakotas. He was always intrigued by Native American Indian culture, particularly their self-sustaining way of life, art, and generosity.
Hans held many unique talents, including a passion and skill for transforming raw sheep wool into handmade finished projects. After obtaining the wool from a local farm, he cleaned, spun, dyed it, and then created various masterpieces. Hans possessed exceptional talent in the crafts of knitting, crocheting, woodworking, weaving, and sewing.
From a young age, Hans developed an interest in model trains – a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. He became very knowledgeable about narrow gauge trains; some of his favorite weekends were spent at train shows with Heidi.
Those closest to Hans would describe him as humble, selfless, creative, humorous, patient, honest, blunt, loving, calm, artistic, confident, strong, bright, and very courageous. More than anything, he loved his little family. He accepted Jesus into his heart later in life and learned to love God and thank Him for the blessings and miracles in his life, of which he had very many. He enjoyed trains, travel, fiber arts, his architectural firm, Volkswagens, Native Indian art, the beauty of nature, specialty meats, and the southwest – but most of all, he loved and treasured time spent with his little family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Friedrich and Hertha (Wolfram) Koehl; two brothers, his stepson, Peter White, with whom he shared a loving connection with during Peter’s early years; and his parents-in-law, Faye (Nelson) Greer and Norman Rosenbaum.
Hans is survived by his devoted wife, Sherry Ann Koehl (Rosenbaum); his daughter and “star,” Heidi Ann Koehl (Bryson Weaver); and his beautiful granddaughter, Khloe Ann Weaver, who was named after her Opa.
In keeping with Hans’ personal wishes, there will not be a public service. A private service will be held for family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the college fund of his beloved granddaughter, Khloe, a meaningful way to honor her Opa’s life and legacy and support the bright future of his granddaughter who brought him so much love and immense joy.
Memorials in memory of Hans Koehl may be sent to Renner Funeral Home for the benefit of Khloe’s college fund. Please make checks payable to Heidi Koehl, custodian of Khloe Weaver.
