KRETH JAMES KOEHLER

was a proud dad, a dedicated nurse, a dependable brother, a loyal friend, and an honorable veteran.

Kreth grew up in Sherwood, Ark., and graduated from Sylvan Hills High School in 1980.

He joined the Air Force then the Air National Guard, retiring with the rank of Captain in 2005. Along the way, he earned two Bachelor of Science Degrees — one in biology, the other in nursing.

Kreth first served as a nurse in the military then as a personal nurse to the late businessman and philanthropist Jack Stephens until Mr. Stephens’ death. Kreth spent the last 14 years as a nurse at UAMS where he cared for patients on the transplant floor.

While attending UCA in Conway, Kreth helped found the Arkansas Zeta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He served as chapter president and led the effort to build UCA’s first residential fraternity house where Sig Ep members reside today.

For all of Kreth’s achievements in life, he felt his greatest was becoming a father to his only son, Jack, who is now a handsome and precocious Kindergartner.

Kreth was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Elizabeth Morehead Koehler, and his brother, Kirk.

Kreth is survived by his wife, Alisa Carter, and their son, Jack Koehler, both of North Little Rock; his sister, Gina Benezue and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

A graveside service will be held at the NLR Veterans Cemetery March 19 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the “Kreth Koehler Memorial Fund” at any U.S. Bank branch. Funds will support his son’s education.