Colonel Karl Edward Koett, Sr. OHARNG, (Ret.) of Loveland, Ohio. Beloved husband of Marilyn (nee Knox) Koett. Loving father of Karl (Victoria) Koett, Jr., Kurt Koett, and Kristin (Chris) Johnstone. Cherished grandfather of Karl "AJ" (Heidi) Koett, Connor (Sarah) Koett, Cody (Courtney) Koett, Madeline Koett, Katie Johnstone, Riley (Olivia) Johnstone, and Caroline Johnstone. Proud great grandfather of Gretchen, Karl, Clara, Ezra, Archie, Brady and one on the way. Karl was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Ashley Koett. He passed away August 11, 2026, one day before his 97th birthday.

Karl E. Koett, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, soldier, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love and memories of the many people whose lives he touched.

Karl was born on August 12, 1929, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Karl Frederick Koett and Edith Koett (Gillham). After graduating from Withrow High School, Karl attended Ohio University, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. While at Ohio University, he was a proud member of Theta Chi Fraternity and remained a lifelong Bobcat at heart. 

In 1951, Karl joined the United States Army, beginning a distinguished military career that would span more than three decades. While stationed at Lockhart, Texas, Karl returned briefly to Cincinnati, where he met and married the girl of his dreams, Marilyn. Together, Karl and Marilyn built an extraordinary life filled with love, adventure, friendship, and family. They recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary—a remarkable testament to their enduring love and devotion to one another. Karl served with the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division and was an Army Ranger, Master Parachutist, Master Aviator, and Helicopter Aviator. He was immensely proud to serve his country, and his military career brought both Karl and Marilyn many lifelong friendships and cherished memories.

After leaving full-time military service in 1957, Karl and Marilyn returned home to Cincinnati. Karl began his corporate career with Liquid Carbonic Corporation while continuing his military service as a member of the Ohio Army National Guard. He later continued his business career with Hunter Savings Association and ultimately retired in 1991 as Vice President of Provident Bank.

Karl's commitment to serving his country continued through the Ohio Army National Guard. He became a commander of the134th Engineering Group. After 32 years of military service, Karl retired in 1983 with the rank of Colonel.

In retirement, Karl enjoyed golfing, fly fishing, spending time with his friends, and, most of all, being with his family. He was deeply loved and will be remembered as one of a kind—a true American soldier and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to all of the caregivers at Pinebrook Memory Care and Queen City Hospice. Your compassion, kindness, and care meant so much to Karl and to our entire family. You truly became like family to all of us.

Karl leaves behind a legacy of love, service, friendship, and family that will continue through all those who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 129 N. Riverside Ave., Loveland, OH 45140. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. Immediately flowing the memorial service there will be a luncheon at the Oasis Golf & Country Club, 902 Loveland-Miamiville Rd. Loveland, Ohio 45140.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Karl may be directed to The Fisher House for Military Families or Queen City Hospice.