Elmer Koehler

Memorials may be made in the form of masses or St. Vincent de Paul Society. Koehler, Elmer, of St. Charles, MO, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully at his residence, at Lake St. Charles Retirement Community on December 1, 2009 at the age of 86. He was the beloved husband of 63 years to Marian (nee: Cazaux) Koehler, the loving father of Mark Koehler, Lisette (nee: Koehler) Rose, and Renee (nee: Koehler) Sydow; the cherished grandfather of Andrew, Angela, Suzanne Koehler, David, Nathan and Julienne Rose, Theresa and Monica Sydow, and Laura (nee: Sydow) Forness. Elmer also leaves his brothers, Victor and Norman Koehler, and sisters Mildred (nee: Koehler) Petti, Irene (nee: Koehler) Schultz, Hazel (nee: Koehler) Dunscombe, and Grace Koehler. Elmer was born in Affton, MO, on April 17, 1923. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy during WWII as a Gunners Mate aboard the USS Fanshaw Bay. Elmer started his career at the age of 17 with Storz Surgical Instrument Co., and became a master surgical instrument maker and designer. Elmer later started and managed 3 other surgical instrument companies; Koehler, V. Mueller, and Rhein Manufacturing. Throughout Elmers' 86 years with us, his generosity, friendly wit and charm has surely touched the lives of thousands of people. We will all miss him dearly, and are greatful for the generous gifts of love and laughter he left us.