Service Scheduled Friday For Emma Marie Kohler

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Category: Obituaries

Created on Wednesday, 27 July 2022 13:31

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Emma Marie Kohler

Emma Marie Kohler was born December 12, 1932, to Agraphinna “Fannie” Hughes and Lawrito Peter Larsen in Karluk, Alaska.

When she was 16 she moved from Larsen Bay to Sitka for nursing school. Here, she met the love of her life, Carroll E. Kohler, who was with the Coast Guard. The two married and raised 10 children together. 

While raising a family on the island in a loving community, Emma became an LPN and worked at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital, serving her community until retirement. She worked  on the TB ward, and then moved into the Physical Therapy Department where she assisted the physical therapists and helped countless patients. Emma really loved her job and her patients, recounting memories for the rest of her life. 

Emma spent her time crocheting, reading, watching Wheel of Fortune with a dark chocolate Milky Way, baking bread, and filling her home with the love and laughter of her family.

She loved to travel and went on many trips with her husband and children. Some of her most memorable vacations were visiting the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee, Gilley’s in Texas, the Bahamas, and Hawaii.

Emma, with her warm smile, was a stranger to no one and welcomed those she met into her family. She loved fiercely and with her whole heart. 

Emma was taken care of very well at the Pioneers Home, and passed away peacefully, surrounded by love at Mt Edgecumbe Medical Center on July 20, 2022. 

Emma was preceded in death by her parents Fannie and Lawrito; her husband Carroll Kohler Sr.; brothers Lawrence Larsen, Andrew Jager, John Jager, Carl and Grace Larsen; her sister Ellen Carlson; and her daughters, Cynthia Fenwick and Janene Kohler-Kainulainen.

Emma is survived by her children Frances “Chicky” of Kotzebue, Carroll Kohler Jr. “Butch” of Juneau, Lewis Kohler “Bub” of Texas, Norman Kohler and wife Frances Cannizzaro of Sitka, Susan Kohler of Wasilla, Clara and husband Mark Huntelman of North Carolina, Patricia “Trissy/Tissy” and husband Joe Resch  of Sitka, and Thomas Kohler of Juneau.

Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews also survive. 

Poems, shared memories, and cards can be mailed to one of her granddaughters,  Jessica Phillips, at 205 Lance Drive, Sitka, Alaska, 99835 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Emma Kohler’s honor to the Sitka Pioneers Home, Sitka Lutheran Church, or St. Jude’s Hospital. 

Emma’s family said they would love to be joined in celebrating her life on Friday, July 29, at Sitka Lutheran Church.

“We will begin with a viewing at 10 a.m., followed by her church service at the Sitka Lutheran Church at 11 a.m., and finally a reception at Old Sitka by Starrigavan,” they said.

Burial will be a private event.

Masks are mandatory while at the Lutheran Church. The reception will be potluck style. “Please bring a dish to enjoy with everyone,” her family said.

“To know Emma was to love her. We will carry her with us for the rest of time. Until we meet again Mom, Baboo, Aunty, Friend....” they said.

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