Robert F Koehler , September 23, 1931 — May 01, 2018

Robert F. Koehler, 86, formerly of Orwigsburg, passed away Tuesday, May 1st, at Providence Place Retirement Community in Pottsville, with his family by his side. Robert was born in Bethlehem, PA on September 23, 1931, a son of the late Beatrice (Speck) and Albert Koehler. Robert graduated from Liberty High School and Lehigh University, both located in Bethlehem, PA.

While at Lehigh he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He married Joan (Wagner) Koehler on June 20th, 1953. He then served in the U.S. Air Force at Langley Air Force Base, Hampton VA.

Following his service in the Air Force, Robert was employed by Sylray, Inc., Orwigsburg, and later became President and co-owner in 1969 until 1996. During his tenure he employed hundreds of dedicated people from the local area. He was a longtime faithful member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Orwigsburg, served many terms on Consistory and was past president.

He served his community as an active member and past president of the Orwigsburg Lion’s Club, and was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award as well as a recipient of the Lion of the Year Award. He was on the board of Trustees of the Miners National Bank, was an active member of the Schuylkill Country Club, served on the Alumni Committee of Lehigh University, Orwigsburg Borough Council, Hawk Mt. Council Boy Scouts, and Masonic Lodge #138.

In addition to his wife, Joan, of 64 years, Robert is survived by his daughter, Barbara Pruitt of Moorestown, NJ and a son, Robert F. Koehler, Jr. and his wife, Amanda, of Ellicott City, MD. A brother, Albert Koehler and his wife, Evelyn, reside in Wilmington, DE. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Kelsey (Pruitt) DeLaney, wife of Sean; Jamie Koehler, longtime girlfriend of Jack BeVier; Mitchell Koehler and his wife, Kayleigh.

Robert was also looking forward to the arrival of his first great-grandson. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday afternoon, May 6th, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Orwigsburg. A Celebration of Life Service for Robert will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 7th, at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Orwigsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ, 236 East Market Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961; or Orwigsburg Lions Club, P.O. Box 153, Orwigsburg, PA 17961. Interment will be at Salem Evangelical Cemetery, Orwigsburg.

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