Paula Kohls Wedig

It is with great sadness that the family of Paula Jean Kohls Wedig shares the news of her passing on September 25, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio, at the age of 74. She was surrounded in love and care by Dan, her husband of 53 years, their six sons and other close family members.

For details on A Memorial Celebration of Paula’s Life, please see below.

Paula Jean Kohls Wedig was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on Aug. 7, 1947 to Bernard F. and Mary Megel Kohls. She married Dan Wedig on Sept. 2, 1968. While pursuing her degree at the University of Cincinnati, she was a member of the Penguins, the University's synchronized swimming team. She graduated in 1971 with a degree in education. She continued her passion for synchronized swimming by coaching teams in Cincinnati and, eventually, Marietta, Ohio.

In 1973, she and Dan moved to Marietta, Ohio, where they raised their family. There, Paula became an important part of the Marietta Arts and Scout Communities as well as her local church.

She was a creative inspiration, working as an artist and craftsperson, coach, teacher, Scout leader and in many other roles. Paula served as an art teacher at St. Mary's School for nearly 10 years and was a proud tenor in the men's section of the St. Mary's Church choir. As a member of the Mid-Ohio Valley Players theater, she designed costumes and sets, did tech, behind-the-scenes production and even acted occasionally. For nearly 30 years, she was a Cub Scout leader who received the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver, the highest award a council can give.

Paula was also a master quilter who had an eye for detail and making unique, colorful and one-of-a-kind designs for which she received many awards and accolades. She gave her quilts freely to those she loved, including grandchildren, children, siblings, extended family and dear friends. She was a proud member of the Keep Us in Stitches and Western Reserve Quilt guilds and the Northeast Ohio Regional Quilt Council.

Paula was a natural creator, making things for her family and friends. When she didn't have her boys at home to create things for, she created for others. As a mother, teacher and creator, she inspired everyone around her to make themselves and the world around them better. As one of her sons put it so eloquently about his inspiring and imaginative mother: "She created within limits, and yet she still created wonder. She saw the potential in everyday things to be better––to make things better."

Paula is survived by her husband Dan; her six sons: Edward (Amy) of Columbus, Geoff (Kathy) of Torrance, CA, Jamie (Deirdre) of Columbus, Nick (Amber) of Pittsburgh, Sean (Sara) of Columbus, and Will (Alicia) of Brooklyn, NY; her siblings Sister Elaine Kohls, MMS in Ethiopia, Bernardine Wehner of Duluth, MN, Rose Gahl (Dan), Richard Kohls (Pat), Joe Kohls (Linda), all of Cincinnati; and her sisters-in-law Dolly Kohls of Cincinnati, Marellene Morrell of Traverse City, MI and Beth Mueller (Gary) of Mission Viejo, CA. Her dedication to family will live on through her 11 grandchildren: Bronwyn, Duncan, Daniel, Liam, Basil, Sophia, Evelyn, Moira, Olivia, Lillian and Nora. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John Kohls, and her brother-in-law Robert Morrell.

Friends and family may pay their respects on October 23, 2021 from 1pm-5pm at:

TM Berry Pavilion International Friendship Park

39.11102951037753, -84.48977635991596

(Corner of Bains St. and Riverside Dr.) - Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

https://tinyurl.com/4kj7t33v

We ask that if you have quilts or any other things Paula created to please bring them or a photo to share and remember.

A tribute to her life will be held at 3:30pm. Light refreshments provided.

Standard Covid-19 protocols will be followed. Vaccination and masks required

In lieu of flowers, Dan & Paula’s wishes would be to please send donations to:

The Medical Mission Sisters

8400 Pine Rd.

Philadelphia, PA 19111

www.medicalmissionsisters.org/how-to-help/donate

For those who wish to send flowers, please send on or before October 21st to:

1704 Ramblewood Ave., Columbus, OH 43235