JOHN C KOEHLER's Obituary
John C. Koehler April 19, 1921 – March 31, 2014 Resident of San Leandro John Koehler, just short of 93 years, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 31st. John was born in Riverdale (Chicago) Cook County Illinois to David and Christine Koehler. John was inducted into the Navy on June 22, 1942 at 21 years old. He was an Aviation Machinist’s Mate and spent time on two aircraft carriers the White Plains and the Suwannee. He earned his Domain of Neptunus Rex on April 1943 during his tour on the White Plains and then again on June 1943 while on the Suwannee (Latitude 0000). Both of these carriers were deployed in the Pacific during WWII. John’s Aviation Mechanic training was accomplished on the “Navy Pier” in Chicago. The pier still exists today, but as a tourist attraction only. During his off time he went to the Chicago USO club where he met Marge. They kept up correspondence during his deployments in the Pacific. When he returned to the states they decided to marry and tied the knot on April 8, 1945. Within months after their marriage they moved to San Diego California where John was discharged from the Navy. John located an Aircraft Mechanics job at the Alameda Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) and consequently John and Marge moved to Northern California to start their civilian career. John worked at NARF until 1976 when he retired at 55 years old. He spent 35 years as a Federal Employee. After Marge retired in 1980 they became tour guides and traveled the world. John was highly active in Boy Scouts. He was a scout master and leader of troop 509 based at St. James Lutheran Church. In 1962 he spear headed a hiking camping trip following the John Muir trail through the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. He called it Operation 1962. The trip started at Kennedy Meadows and ended up at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir; the troop hiked 55 miles in 2 weeks. John was also active member at St. James Lutheran church. He held leadership positions and was a Sunday school teacher. He firmly believed in Jesus as his savior and the promise of life after death. On April 8, 2014 John and Marge would have been married 69 years. John is survived by Marge his wife, Glenn and his wife Marilyn, Lynn and his wife Robin. He has 5 grandchildren Matthew, Mark, Shaun, Stacie, and Jeffrey and 8 great grandchildren; Athena, Haven, Aiden, Lola, Ellie, Liam, Shaelynn, and Sydney. John’s funeral (private family) will be held on April 8, 2014 at the Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward @ 12:30. A memorial service will be conducted at St. James Lutheran Church in San Leandro @ 4 pm. All are welcome to attend.
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