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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