Kurt Steven Koffler, 75, of Topeka, passed away Friday, August 2, 2024.
Kurt Steven Zimmerman Koffler was born in Pittsburg, Kansas on July 27th, 1949, the son of Leonard and Constance (Dittman) Zimmerman. His father passed in 1952. Constance later married Lt. Col. Carl Koffler, who legally adopted Kurt and his sister, Diane, in 1958.
As an Army brat, Kurt and his family traveled extensively throughout Europe, Taipei, Taiwan, and the United States. Kurt was a graduate of Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. After graduating from college, Kurt honorably served in the United States Army as a Surveillance Radar Crewman. He was stationed with his wife at Wainwright Army Base in Fairbanks, Alaska, where their first son, Ben was born. He also served at Travis Air Force Base in Vacaville, California.
Kurt married Linda McDaniel on September 6th, 1969. They later divorced but maintained a friendship for the remainder of his life. Survivors include two children, Cadie (Mike) Maas and Gus Koffler, all of Topeka, two grandsons; Ben and Henry Maas, a granddaughter, Kailee Koffler, and two sisters; Diane Vaught and Claire Quinn.
He was preceded in death by his son Kurt Benjamin "Ben" Koffler, a granddaughter, Emma Maas, and his parents.
Kurt was the co-owner of Good Earth Art Gallery in Frontenac, KS. He was the owner and artisan of Wood Goods Crafts, in Topeka. Kurt managed the Topeka Roach Hardware store from 1985-1999. Later he was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Topeka, retiring in 2012.
He was a member of the Rubber Workers Union Local 307.
Kurt enjoyed homecooked meals, home grown tomatoes, gardening, leather tooling, woodworking and wood carving, rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs, and spending time with his family. Kurt had a good sense of humor, frequently delivering dad jokes with perfect timing and taking great pleasure in making others laugh (or groan).
Honoring his request, cremation is planned. A private memorial ceremony will be held.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Wounded Warrior Project. To share a memory of Kurt or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.