Alden Cary "Duke" Ehler

Alden Cary "Duke" Ehler, a man with a big personality and endless amounts of friends, passed peacefully into the arms of his wife, Emily, and son, Michael, on March 31, 2025 encapsulated by his most loving and attentive daughters. We were gifted the opportunity to experience his wit one more time as our family gathered by his side the day before his passing. We shared laughter and tears knowing that those memories will never fade and we will hold them for a lifetime.
Duke was born February 22, 1931 in New Haven, CT to Irwin and Isabelle Ehler. He joined the US Air Force stationed at Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, TN, where he met and married the love of his life, Emily. Duke served in the Korean War and upon his return was assigned to Fort Ethan Allen, Colchester, VT for "Operation Coldspot". Although he would say that he initially couldn't wait to get the heck out of the VT cold, he learned to love it and stayed here to raise his family. Together with Emily, their business ventures began with Ehler's Bay Breeze Motel in Malletts Bay, then after moving their family to Essex Junction opened Ehler's Sunoco and Service Station on Pearl St. Wanting to expand, they purchased a chicken farm in Essex Town and creatively converted the old barn into a new home for their business. With a love for camping and travel and the support of Deb and Mike, they added recreational vehicles to their line-up and expanded into a new building and business known as Ehler's RV, Inc. on the same property. The family business was exactly that..a place where customers became family. Mom and Dad caravanned extensively throughout the U.S. with their dear RV friends and traveled to Japan and Germany with their family.
Through their own actions, Mom and Dad demonstrated the importance of helping others which they have passed on to us. Duke was a very patriotic American, believed in public service, loved, honored, and respected all military members. Together Dad and Mom were long-time members of the First Congregational Church of Essex Jct. where Dad held many board positions in the earlier years. They were members and o cers of the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), Winnebago International Travelers Club (WIT), and Good Sam Club. Duke was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Cairo Shriners, Elks, American Legion and North Country Honor Flight. Duke retired from the VT Air Guard Green Mtn. Boys 158th FW after many years of service.
Mom and Dad loved to travel and loved their camp in Georgia, VT, a ectionately known as Ehlerville Lakeside, where the family gathers and creates beautiful memories together on the shores of Lake Champlain. Dad was our honorary o erer of the blessing before every meal thanking the Lord for our togetherness and praying for our loved ones living afar and for military personnel. Over the years he could be found at his grandkids' sports and school functions cheering them on with great pride (even when in the Penalty Box), trailering animals to shows and running into former customers and military buddies everywhere he went. He was happiest when in the company of friends and family. He shared his love for everything Hot Sauce with his grandkids.
Duke will be greatly missed not only by his family, but by all of his friends in the community that he served so well. He was a man who touched so many people's lives and hearts and was always willing to o er a
helping hand.
Duke will now be guiding his family from the Heavens. He leaves his daughters, Linda Kilpatrick of TN, Debra Ehler Holland of Essex, Donna Ehler-Vock (Steve) of South Burlington, son-in-law Dan Holland and daughter-in-law Karen Ehler. He was a loving grandfather and Daddy Duke to Iris (Ben) Rieben, Danny Kilpatrick, Jennifer (Scott) and Meghan (Lindsey) Holland, Tyler (Megan), Kayleigh (Ian), Kyle (Madison) Ehler-Vock and Jackson (Halle) Ehler. He was blessed with six great-grandchildren McKenzie, Pearson, Spencer Rieben, Trace and Kinsley Kilpatrick and Otis Vock. He leaves a niece and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Emily, son Michael, brother Bill Ehler and wife Lois, brother-in-law Roy Bartlette and wife Janie, son-in-law Dan Kilpatrick, Sr. and infant grandchildren Matthew and Maria Ehler-Vock and Charles Alden Ehler.
Our family would like to express our deep appreciation for those involved in Dad's life and care: doctors, nurses, family and friends, sta at Mansfield Place and Bayada Hospice.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Duke's life on Saturday, May 10 beginning at 11:00 at the First Congregational Church of Essex Jct.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to First Congregational Church, 39 Main St., Essex Jct., VT 05452. Please note "Heavenly Food Pantry/Duke Ehler" on the memo line or contribute on-line at www.fccej.org or visit a loved one in need of companionship.
The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.