Howard S. Koehler, 93, of Bushkill Twp., passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2026 at St. Luke's Hospice House - Lower Saucon Twp. Born in Nazareth, Howard was a son of the late Norman and Mary Koehler (Rice). He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Koehler (Mack).

He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. A man of many talents and seemingly endless ambition, he spent his life building, entertaining, and connecting with others. Alongside his father (Norman Koehler Building), he helped construct 33 homes throughout the area, later operating a successful plumbing business of his own. He was perhaps best known to many as the proprietor of the beloved Hill Top Lunch in Bushkill Township along with his first wife Josie Koehler. While living in Florida, he worked as a manager at Chris-Craft Boat. Howard later went on to own the Rainbow Diner, which became Howard's Restaurant and Fine Dining & Lounge, in Nazareth, where good food and good company were always on the menu. Never one to slow down, he also enjoyed life behind a microphone, entertaining audiences with oldies and country music well into his 80s.

If there was a friendly watering hole within 15 miles of Bushkill Township, chances are he knew the bartender, the regulars, and probably had a favorite seat waiting for him.

He was a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies Fan. If you happened upon something bearing the initials "HSK," there was a good chance Howard had claimed it, built it, fixed it, owned it, or at the very least admired it. He took great pride in leaving his mark on the world-and occasionally on anything that would hold a marker.

He will be remembered by his daughter: Debra Koehler of Bushkill Twp.; granddaughter: Charissa Bruch and boyfriend Jeff Wolfe of Bushkill Township; grand dogs: Destiny and Lily; sister: Lorraine Unangst of Phillipsburg, NJ; nephew: Jack Unangst (Joann) of Stockertown, PA; nieces: Brenda Hoppe (Bob) and Judy Davis. Howard is preceded in death by a sister: Irene Frable.

A Graveside Service with military honors will be held at 11 AM on Friday, June 12, 2026 at God's Acre at Schoeneck Moravian Church Cemetery, Bushkill Center Road and W. Beil Ave, Nazareth, PA. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at: bensingfuneralhome.net. Arrangements and cremation care are under the direction of the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, INC. - Moorestown/Bath.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Nazareth Food Bank - 529 S. Main Street - Nazareth, PA 18064. nazarethareafoodbank.org and/or St. Jude Children's Hospital - 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 - stjude.org and/or Shriners Hospitals for Children - 2900 Rocky Point Drive - Tampa, FL 33607. https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/