Clayton Linn Koehler

Clayton Linn Koehler, 68 of South Sioux City passed away Thursday, January 11, 2024. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, January 18, 2024 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in South Sioux City. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. with a rosary at 4:30 P.M. and a vigil service at 6:00 P.M. at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City. Burial will be at Lake View Cemetery in Lake Andes, South Dakota.

Clayton was born May 13, 1955 in Columbia Missouri to Carolyn and Carl Koehler. The family moved from Missouri and lived in various Iowa locations, settling in Atlantic, Iowa. Clayton wished to acknowledge, Don Henningsen, his mentor, for the guidance and opportunities provided to him in his formative years. Clayton graduated from Atlantic High School in 1973, then moved to Sioux City, IA and graduated from Morningside College in December of 1977. Clayton married Connie Sudrla in July of 1985 and was joined by son, Andrew and daughter Erin. He started an encompassing career at KMEG-TV after college, working at various entry level positions, then as a studio director, on air director and advancing up to programing director. Clayton went on to work for Northwestern Mutual Life, Metz Baking, and eventually, WinnaVegas Casino as a guest services member until his retirement in 2021. Clayton’s community involvement started in college as president of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He wrote articles for the Morningside Collegiate Reporter. He served as a past president of the Sioux City Noon’s Lion Club. He served St. Michael’s Catholic Church in South Sioux City as a team member of RCIA and school board member of St. Michael’s School. He is an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Trecy Council #3844. Clayton never determined success by titles or wealth, but by being a faithful husband and a loving father and grandfather.

Clayton enjoyed time away from work commitments by boating and camping. He especially enjoyed campfires, cast iron cooking and Ponca State Park in the fall. He enjoyed all activities that involved his children and grandchildren. Clayton strived to follow a phrase penned by Lou Holtz, “Don’t count your years, make your years count.”

Survivors include his wife, Connie; son, Andrew (Stephanie Felker) Koehler; daughter, Erin (Reece) Rensink; and grandchildren, Gillian McCulley, Juniper McCulley, Zander Rensink, Ian Rensink, Skyler Rensink and Georgiana Rensink.

Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Carolyn and in-laws, Arlene and Rudy Sudrla.