Obituary of Thomas Paul Kohler

Thomas Paul Kohler of Baldwinsville passed away at Crouse Hospital on November 24, 2015. Tom was born in Williamsport, PA in 1931, son of George Jacob Kohler and Clara Stopper Kohler. Surviving are his wife, Ann Gardner Kohler, sons Thomas D. Kohler (Allison) Westport, NY and Steven Kohler (Heidi) Virginia Beach, VA and 4 grandchildren: Odin, Magnus & Ailsa of Westport, NY and Addilyn of Virginia Beach. Also foster son, J. Claud Stewart of Rochester, his brother, Ray Kohler (Ellen Lucas) and 21 nephews and nieces (Roxanna Carpenter, Bernhard's Bay). Predeceased by his parents, George & Clara Kohler, his brothers, Edward & George A. and sister, Jean Kohler Gouldy. Tom served in the Air Force from 1950 until 1954. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University and did his Masters and Ph.D. work at Syracuse University, all in electrical engineering. Most of his career was spent with General Electric where he received many awards and generated many patents. He also worked developing energy saving lighting for ETech in Radisson and Hytron Electronics in Taiwan. Tom was very creative and well respected as an engineer. Among his pastimes were drawing cartoons, skiing and traveling. Tom served on the Baldwinsville Village Board and the board of McHarrie's Legacy. He was in demand many places for his ability to solve problems in engineering and house remodeling having owned 2 houses from the 1800's. Tom and his wife Ann have traveled extensively to many parts of the world. They hosted exchange students from Brazil, Germany, Sweden, Greece and parts of the USA and have had the opportunity to travel to visit them. These special former students include: Mats Lindgren of Stockholm, Sweden and Cristinia, Cecilia & Silvia Takemoto of Brazil. Tom was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Liverpool before moving to St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Baldwinsville where he sang in the choir for 25 years. Calling hours are Saturday, November 28, 2015, from 2-5 & 7-9 in the Community Room at St. Mark's Lutheran Church with Services at St. Mark's at 2 PM on Sunday, November 29. Internment will be in a family cemetery in Kane, PA in the spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions made be made to the Music Fund of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 2840 Cold Springs Road (PO Box 381) Baldwinsville 13027 in Tom's name.