Richard Dick Kohler

Richard Melvin Kohler DEC. 5, 1916 - JUNE 5, 2005 Richard (Dick), 88, died June 5 in Tacoma. He was born on December 5, 1916 in Seattle. Later the family moved to Milton, and subsequently to Tacoma, where they made their permanent home. After graduating from Lincoln High School, Richard attended the College of Puget Sound while simultaneously working at the Wheeler-Osgood plywood mill. He studied the natural sciences and related subjects along with German language. He later worked at the post office in Tacoma until being drafted into the Army. During World War II his assignment took him to Europe, where he served in an artillery unit and, later, as a German language interpreter. After VE Day, he was transferred to Japan. He was enroute on VJ Day, and he became part of the occupational force. He began civilian life by enrolling at the University of Wyoming, earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees. There he met another student, Edna Ruth Junek. They were married on March 20, 1947 in Laramie. A few months later they moved to Winlock, Washington, where Richard taught high school science courses. In 1948 the moved to Sumner, where he continued his teaching career. He also worked summer jobs to support his family. In 1955, he began teaching in the Tacoma School District (at Gault Junior High School). After a few years he was transferred to Stadium High School where he taught courses in biology, botany, zoology and physical sciences for fourteen years, completing his teaching career and retiring in 1974. Dick had a lifelong interest in the study of plants and animals, and was a strong advocate for their conservation. He was a member and supporter of several conservation groups. He enjoyed backpacking, trail hiking and beachcombing. He was also a longtime member of the Tacoma Unitarian Church. Dick and Edna enjoyed traveling to Europe and to many parts of the U.S., especially to locations displaying the natural highlights of each region. Richard was pre-deceased by his father and mother, Samuel Richard Kohler and Lola Carlton Kohler and sisters Ione and Hope. He is survived by his wife Edna, a daughter Esther, of Seattle, and a son, Richard, of Poulsbo. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins in the western U.S., as well as extended family in the Czech Republic. A memorial service for Richard will be held at the Unitarian Church of Tacoma, 1115 S. 56th St., on Saturday, June 18, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of his favorite organizations, The Nature Conservancy, 217 Pine Street, Suite 1100, Seattle, WA 98101.