Francis Edward Koehler, 86, a resident of LaGrangeville since 1981 and formerly of Carmel, died on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at the Lutheran Care Center in Poughkeepsie.

     Born in the Bronx on January 9, 1923, Frank was the son of Frank and Matilda Basler Koehler.  He served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army during World War II and also served as a Platoon Commander for the 750th Tank Battalion in Germany, France, Holland and Belgium.  He and his brother, Richard, owned and operated Koehler Brothers in Carmel for most of his life until he retired in 1975.

     On September 8, 1946 at St. Benedict’s Church in the Bronx, Frank married Mildred Madrick who predeceased him on July 18, 1988.  He is survived by his children, Thomas and Mark Koehler of Middleville, Timothy Koehler and his wife, Lorraine of Union Vale, Teresa Ferry and her husband, Daniel of LaGrangeville, Martin Koehler and his wife, Keri of Hopewell Junction and Mary Peterson and her husband, David of Cornelius, NC; his brother, Richard Koehler and his wife, Elizabeth of Carmel; his grandchildren, Laurie Ann, Christopher Thomas, Christopher Daniel, Kathryn Mary, Jessica, Matthew, Margaret Maria, Mark, Ryan, Justin, Corey, Jeshua, Emily and Zack; his great-grandchildren, Jack, Joselin and Justin; and several nieces and nephews.                               .

     Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Denis Church, 602 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction.  Interment will follow in St. Denis Cemetery with military honors.

     Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2678 South Road, Suite 102, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.