Ukrainian War Humanitarian Rene Koehler of Oswego Dies of Cancer

Koehler, known for her selfless spirit, filled a plane with supplies and flew to Ukraine in 2022 before her own cancer battle

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:10pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a medical supply kit repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the humanitarian spirit of Rene Koehler's efforts to aid those in need.The selfless spirit of humanitarian Rene Koehler lives on through the supplies and aid she delivered to war-torn Ukraine.Aurora Today

Rene Koehler, a 64-year-old woman from Oswego, Illinois, passed away early Sunday morning after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer. Koehler was known for her humanitarian efforts, including filling a plane with supplies and flying them to war-torn Ukraine in 2022. Despite her own cancer diagnosis just months after returning from Ukraine, Koehler continued to live life to the fullest, taking trips with her family and volunteering for crisis response organizations until the end.

Why it matters

Koehler's story highlights the power of compassion and selflessness, even in the face of personal adversity. Her humanitarian work in Ukraine and continued service to others despite her own health challenges inspired many in her local community and beyond.

The details

In March 2022, Koehler gathered over 1,500 pounds of donated medical and other supplies from people in the Fox Valley area to help those in war-ravaged Ukraine. She loaded the items onto a small airplane at Aurora Municipal Airport and flew them to Poland, with a final destination of an abandoned hospital in Ukraine being used as a shelter for women and children. There, Koehler did everything from repairing walls and ceilings to assisting with medical rounds and teaching English and Bible classes. Just months after returning from Ukraine, Koehler was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, but she continued to live life to the fullest, undergoing treatment while also traveling with her family and volunteering for crisis response organizations.

  • In March 2022, Koehler gathered supplies and flew them to Ukraine.
  • Just months after returning from Ukraine, Koehler was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2022.
  • Koehler passed away early Sunday morning on April 14, 2026.

The players

Rene Koehler

A 64-year-old woman from Oswego, Illinois, known for her humanitarian efforts, including flying supplies to Ukraine during the war and continuing to volunteer for crisis response organizations despite her own cancer diagnosis.

Vickie Drendel

Koehler's beloved sister and best friend, who supported her throughout her cancer journey.

Crisis Response International

The nonprofit organization Koehler volunteered for, including in hurricane relief efforts in Florida and after Hurricane Helene.

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What they’re saying

“She knew the value of time. She was hard to keep up with but always fun. She always had that next adventure to go to … someone to see, somewhere to go.”

— Vickie Drendel, Koehler's sister

What’s next

Visitation for Rene Koehler will be held at noon on Thursday, April 16, until a funeral service at 4 p.m. at Dunn Family Funeral Home in Oswego. Donations can be made to Crisis Response International in her memory.

The takeaway

Rene Koehler's story is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and faith in the face of adversity. Her selfless humanitarian efforts and continued service to others, even as she battled cancer, inspired many and left a lasting impact on her community.