Emil "Ace" Koehler

Emil 'Ace' Koehlerof Newark ValleyEmil O. Koehler, 79, passed peacefully at his home on October 2, 2009 following an illness. Ace is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Joyce (Whidden) Koehler, and his sons Michael T. Koehler and Steven E. (Julianne) Koehler. Also surviving are his brother Norman (Sandra) Koehler, sister, Norma Jean (Jim) Butkowsky, 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.Born on Oct. 30, 1929 in Starrucca, PA, Ace was the son of the late Emil and Ellen (Tabox) Koehler. He was predeceased by his brother Egbert , his son David E. Koehler and daughter, Cindy L. (Koehler) Krol. Ace served in the US Army from 1947-1950. Shortly thereafter, he became an employee of Bermans Motor in Vestal and following 35 1/2 years of faithful service, he retired from there in 1989. Retirement allowed Ace to pursue one of his greatest joys....working in his flower beds (with his faithful feline companion 'Gert' assisting him) and caring for his manicured lawn. He also enjoyed visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren; building, collecting and 'playing with' his model trains and watching NASCAR racing.A Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family at MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley. Friends wishing to remember Ace with a memorial donation are asked to kindly consider The Foundation for Cancer Survivors, c/o Broome Oncology, 30 Harrison St., Johnson City, NY 13790 in memory of Emil O. Koehler.