Frederick Harrison "(Fred)" KOEHLER Jr.

Frederick KOEHLER Obituary

Born in New York on November 18, 1921 to Frederick and Caroline Koehler, passed away in Terre Linda, California on Friday, June 14, 2013. Fred married his former wife, Margaret Betsey Murray (deceased in 1999) in 1942. Fred worked in Manhattan, New York, for over forty years, first as a Buyer for Theo H. Davies & Co, and then as Manager of the Cunard Brocklebank Division of Texas Transport & Terminal Co. In 1982, Fred moved to California to be nearer his West Coast family. Upon retirement, he volunteered his time generously in San Francisco, Auburn, Petaluma and Olympia, Washington. He had great energy and liked to keep busy and help out where he could. His volunteer work included the Visitor Information Center in San Francisco, the Senior Advocates group in Olympia Washington, and clerical work for a variety of hospitals. Fred lived in Petaluma since 2002 and could be seen around town hoping on and off buses during his activity filled days. He is survived by his daughters Phyllis Hinson and husband William, Barbara Franicola, Debra Wigglesworth and husband Russell, Michele Sardella, and sons Thomas Koehler and wife Barbara, and Richard Koehler and wife, Alice. Fred is also survived by his dear brother Frank Koehler. His dear sister, Elaine Andrews Woiski, sadly predeceased him last June. Also predeceased were his beloved foster mother Adelaide Andrews and his birth parents Frederick Koehler and Caroline Kraus Koehler. Grandfather to eight grandchildren Jason Koehler, Michael Franicola, David Franicola, Deborah Franicola Hummer, Christina Sardella Williams, Jonathan Sardella, Sean Wigglesworth, and Katie Wigglesworth, and great grandfather to seven great grandchildren and Uncle to many loved nieces and nephews, he will be sorely missed. Fred will also be remembered for playing the piano and harmonica joyously and well, singing Christmas carols at the top of his lungs in tune, for being a wonderful carpenter building playhouses, sandboxes, picnic tables, chairs, even a doll carriage in the 1940's for his children and grandchildren. He was a real gentleman and had a tenaciously independent spirit. He was blessed with a long life and loving family. Memorial Services will be private.

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Published by Press Democrat from Jun. 23 to Jun. 24, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick KOEHLER

Sponsored by Phyllis Hinson.

8 Entries

Dan Woiski

September 24, 2017

Many times when I'm standing on line at a McDonalds, asking and thanking the clerk
with proper salutations, language, and
cheerfulness; I have a fleeting thought, and a
secret smile for my Uncle Fred.

For me, Uncle Fred was the example and set
the bar as to how a Gentleman conducts
himself.

Rick Koehler

July 11, 2014

Dad, I often remember the times we would go off on the weekends doing projects or carpentry for people . I remember thinking how no one knew how to do things as good as you . I remember how you would tell us about people that you dealt with on your job from around the world . I remember Going to your office in Manhattan and going through the World Trade Center . I remember thinking N.Y. was your city and everything there was built for you . It seem like everything about was bigger than life . I fortunate to have you as an example . I love you dad . Ricky

Phyllis Hinson

June 19, 2014

Dear Dad, you have been gone a year now and I still think of you every day with great love. I know you had a long life and we should be grateful for this, and we are-but we do miss your caring ways and interesting conversations. I will always remember that you always said "Life is Good!" whenever I asked how you were doing. You were such a large part of Bill's and my lives that we still feel the void. I am just grateful to have had you for my father all of those years. And, I know I learned many things from you about how to get on in the world. Thank you Dad.
Love always, your daughter, Phyllis

July 14, 2013

I am still having a hard time accepting that dad is no longer with us ... so many of my values I have today are from the amazing foundation that my dad laid down for us. Your countless stories that I loved as a kid and an adult will be passed down for generations. I always remember you teaching me how to tackle a job no matter how big "a little at a time" and with patience and time it gets done. You taught people around you to enjoy the journey and not just the end result. Waking up to you whistling around the house with the laundry going and egyptian flip flops on the griddle.Saving my butt when I got in to deep over my head, which was quite often as a kid/teen. Dad, you are the most hard working person I had ever known ... what a great role model you were for all of us. I love you very much and will see you again someday. with love, Michele

Rick Koehler

July 12, 2013

I am very fortunate to have Freddy for a dad . Always on the go . Working with Import / Export people around the Country during the week , then doing some serious carpentry on the weekends. He was great example . Always doing everything right and strong . I will miss him and always admire him . love you Dad . Ricky Koehler

Bill Hinson

June 28, 2013

Fred was a great Father-in-Law and friend. Throughout the years he helped Phyllis & me in any way he could. When he came to stay with us for one of his visits he would always have a project to do for us. Some of the things he built for our yard that we will still enjoy are the Adirondack Chairs and Redwood Picnic Table he built from plans he purchased. Every we time we have friends for a backyard event the table is well used.

Bernadette Riggins

June 26, 2013

My sincere sympathies to the family on the passing of Uncle Fred. The write up was so wonderful and right on target in describing him and although it is never easy to lose a loved one it was so wonderful that he could be with you close by under his own times right up to the end. He was a truly lovely man and I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Love you all, Bernadette

June 24, 2013

Dearest Cousins, Uncle Fred was such an important person in my childhood and life. I will miss him dearly. My love goes out to you all. love, Tina (Woiski)

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