Theda June (Kniebes) Koshar passed away Tuesday April 14 at home with her family at the age of 91. Theda “Toots” was born August 26, 1934, in Bainbridge Township to Harry and Lydia Kniebes. She grew up on the family farm with her parents, brother Loren and sister June. Life on the family farm instilled in Theda a relentless work ethic, she was a one-woman beehive of activity, sitting still was not her thing.

An exceptional student, Theda attended Bronson School of Nursing in Kalamazoo and became a Registered Nurse (RN). Caring for people was Theda’s purpose in life. She worked at Community Hospital in Watervliet for over 50 years where she was a beloved colleague and friend to all.

Theda married Robert Koshar in 1955. Following Robert’s military service in El Paso Texas, they returned to Watervliet where they raised 4 children (Steven, Daniel, Anne and Joseph).

Theda set a shining example for kindness, compassion, tolerance and forgiveness. She was the light of her children’s lives and “home” was not necessarily a physical structure but rather the feeling of simply being in her presence.

In her not too frequent spare time, Theda loved gardening, reading and travel. To this day, her spring garden is the envy of the neighborhood. She loved to explore new places, some of her favorite destinations were The Grand Canyon, Maui, Manhattan and Las Vegas.

Theda is survived by her husband Robert, her sons Steven (Tracy) and Joseph, her daughter and travel companion Anne, her brother Loren (Sandra) Kniebes and sister June Sims. Theda was blessed with 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild who will cherish her memory and favorite stories of time spent together, “Grandpa doesn’t need to know about this little fender bender”. Her extended family includes 3 step-grandchildren, 5 step- great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Lydia and her son Daniel.

Visitation will be Friday, April 17, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet. Entombment will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Hagar Shores. Memorials may be made in Theda’s name to Sarett Nature Center. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Theda’s family.