Brian Lee Koegler

Brian Lee Koegler, 49, of Palmyra, passed away peacefully on August 6th, 2022 surrounded by family. He was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on January 15,1973 to Stephen M. Koegler, Sr. and the late Mary Christine Crum.

Preceded in death by mother Mary Christine Crum (Koegler) and sisters Catherine J. “Katie” Koegler and Therese C.M. Koegler. He is survived by father, Stephen "Mike" Koegler Sr. of Loretto, siblings; Stephen M. “Mike” Jr. (Dawn Donahue) Koegler of Hershey, Margaret E. “Lisa” Polite (fiancé Ed Rederer) of Cape Coral, FL, Paul V. (Karen Arista) Koegler of Lake Worth, FL, and Ann M. (William “Bill”) Koss of Revloc, nieces and nephews; Michael, Briana, Samantha, Alexandra, Christina, Britany, Joshua, Megann, Matthew, and William “BJ” Jr., and several great nieces and nephews. Also survived by his best friend Bear, his loyal Chocolate Labrador Retriever.  

A proud Retired Army Veteran, CW5, serving his country for over 29 years. He mentored and trained soldiers in the Pennsylvania National Guard where he received numerous awards including the Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional service to the Eastern ARNG Aviation Training Site at Ft Indiantown Gap. Brian spent the bulk of his career as a CH47 Chinook flight engineer/instructor. Brian volunteered for numerous external aircraft support missions including a deployment to New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts in 2005, 9/11support missions, as well as Panama. Brian’s astute planning, maintenance knowledge, and experience as a flight engineer contributed to the success of the ARNG Relief Efforts in support of Task Force Pelican. Brian served in several leadership positions throughout his military career and was highly respected in the aviation community. Brian was inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Michael Bronze Award exemplifying Brian’s embodiment of courage, justice and gallantry. Aviation and Space were at the core of much of Brian’s passion.  His hobbies including watching space launches, riding his Harley and Jeeps, working on classic cars, and attending car shows. Brian enjoyed watching anything involving Star Wars, Battle Star Galactica and life beyond our galaxy.  His love for his chocolate lab, Bear was unconditional. More than anything he was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend to many.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033, at noon on Friday, August 12, 2022 followed by burial at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, with full Military Honors. Friends will be received from 5 until 7 PM on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at the Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra, PA 17078.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Dog T.A.G.S. Program, Mechanicsburg, PA in Brian’s memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com

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