Elmer C. Kohley's Obituary
Mr. Elmer Charles Kohley, age 90, passed away Monday evening, November 3, 2014 at his home. Elmer was born July 5, 1924 to Henry and Rose (Fortman) Kohley in Warrenville, IL. On November 27, 1948 he married the former Dolores Mittman in Wheaton, IL. Elmer served his country in the Army 43rd Division of Combat Engineers during WWII, serving in the Philippines and Japan. He was the owner of Culligan Water Conditioning in Odessa, Texas before moving to Muskegon in 1957 and was a former PGK Knights of Columbus while in Odessa. He then became owner and manager of Culligan Water Conditioning and Superior Propane of Muskegon, and owner of Fruitport LP Gas in Fruitport, before retiring in 1989. Elmer was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Senior Citizens. He was also a former Scout Master of Troop 77 at Sacred Heart; obtaining the St. George Award, past president of Michigan Water Quality Association, a member of Elks Lodge #2057, Muskegon K of C #706, the NRA, and American Legion Post #9. He enjoyed hunting, golfing (obtaining two hole in ones). He also enjoyed daily breakfasts with his “Coffee Buddies”. Elmer is SURVIVED by his wife of 65 years, Dolores; his children, Barry (Marcia) Kohley of Jenison, Joyce (Randy) Schau of Portage, Lance (Sue) Kohley, Alan (Deirdre) Kohley and Wayne (Nancy) Kohley, all of Muskegon; grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Jill (David) Scheid, Brent (Jackie Schelske) Kohley, Chad (Emily) Kohley, Jessica (Peder) Groseth, Travis (Katie Bradley) Schau, Bethany (Viet) Nguyen, Jason (Katy) Kohley, Christopher (Renee) Kohley, Alex Kohley, Samuel Kohley, Zachary (Melanie) Kohley, Jordan Kohley, Leeah Kohley, Shawn Scott, Chris Scott, Shannon (Lance) Reed, Ashley (Ryan) Strehl and Zac (Cassie Rodriquez) Tedrow; many great-grandchildren; his sister, Hildegarde Hahn of Wheaton, IL; and brothers, Harold (Bonnie) Kohley of Greenville and Bill (Vergene) Kohley of Wheaton, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and three sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Friday, November 7 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 E. Summit Ave., with Rev. Fr. Antony Britto presiding. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Thursday at The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., 231 759-8565 and one hour prior to the service at church. In lieu of flowers please consider Muskegon Catholic Education Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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