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William  Kohler
In Memory of
William  E.
Kohler
1924 - 2017
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Obituary for William E. Kohler

William "Bill" Edward Kohler, 93, of Erie, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 19th, 2017. He was born on May 3, 1924 to Madaline Amon Kohler and Edward Kohler in Erie. He married his sweetheart, Rosemarie Murphy, on June 1, 1946.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rosemarie Murphy Kohler, his sisters Dorothy Ann Kohler Rossi, Madeline Kohler Nathal, and Charlotte Kohler Kubinski and his brother, John "Jack" Kohler, sister-in-law Terri Kohler, brothers-in-law Victor Nathal, Alphonso Rossi, nephews Terry Kubinski and Matthew Nathal, and niece, Margorie Rossi.

He is survived by children, Charlene Antalek (Jack), Bill Kohler (Sherry), Patricia Radziszewski (Rob), grandchildren, Michael Antalek (Colleen), Allison Antalek, Carey Clute (B.J.), Jeff Kohler (Jessica), Quinn Griffin (Hayes), and Emilia Radziszewski; 11 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Bill enlisted in the US Navy on February 24, 1943, served in the South Pacific on the destroyer USS Albert W. Grant DD-649 as a G-2 Gunner's Mate and received an honorable discharge in February, 1946. Bill earned the Pacific Theatre Ribbon (4 Stars), the American Theatre Ribbon, the Victory Medal, the WWII Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon (1 Star).

He worked in several Tool and Die shops in the Erie area and finished his career as Plant Manager for 20 years at West Pharmaceutical Services.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish where he served as the first Facilitator of the Retiree maintenance group (with Fr. Tom's leadership), and usher, a Eucharistic Minister, and a life member of the Men's Council. He was named Men's Council "Man of the Year" in 1994 which was a great honor.

Bill was a member of the Siebenbuerger Club, the American Legion Post 571, the VFW Post 470, and Lifeworks Hilltop Center.

Bill and his wife, Rosemarie, were married for 67 years and enjoyed more than 50 years of western style square dancing. He was an avid woodworker and wood carver, producing Germany inspired sculptures such as Christmas trees, snowmen, angels, Pinochio, Hagar the Horrible, and other characters. Bill was a loving man who enjoyed travel and camping with his family and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the prayer service there at 11:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church at 12:00 noon and burial will follow in Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1533 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie, 16510; Mercy Terrace Apartments, 430 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie, 16504, Great Lakes Hospice, 1700 Peach St., Suite 114, Erie, 16501, or St. Mary's Home at Asbury Ridge, 4855 W. Ridge Road, Erie, 16506.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William E. Kohler, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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