Brian Lee Koegler, 49, of Palmyra, peacefully passed away Saturday surrounded by family. He was born in Johnstown, the son of Stephen M. Koegler Sr. and the late Mary Christine Crum.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Christine Crum (Koegler); and sisters, Catherine J. “Katie” Koegler and Therese C.M. Koegler.

Surviving are his father, Stephen “Mike” Koegler Sr. of Loretto; siblings: Stephen M. “Mike” Jr. (Dawn Donahue) Koegler of Hershey, Margaret E. “Lisa” Polite (fiance, Ed Rederer) of Cape Coral, Fla., Paul V. (Karen Arista) Koegler of Lake Worth, Fla., 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. Brian is also survived by his best friend, Bear, his loyal Chocolate Labrador Retriever.

Brian was a proud retired Army veteran, CW5, who served his country for more than 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. He volunteered for numerous external aircraft support missions including a deployment to New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005, 9/11 support 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. He 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 included watching space launches, riding his Harley and Jeeps, working on classic cars and attending car shows. Brian enjoyed watching anything involving Star Wars, BattleStar Galactica and life beyond our galaxy.

Brian’s love for his chocolate lab, Bear, was unconditional. More than anything he was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend to many.

Friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey. Burial at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, with full Military Honors will follow.

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

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com.

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