Shirley Elaine Kohler was born March 26,1924 to Esther Mamie Long Edwards and Thomas Warren Edwards in St. Paul, Minnesota. She graduated from Wilson High School in 1941 with a curriculum focused on business subjects.
She worked at St. Paul Buick, Weyerhauser Lumber Company, and Anderson Machine Tool Company after graduation. In 1945 after taking the civil service exam, she was hired by the Panama Canal Zone government as a stenographer for local professionals. Her last job in Panama was for the immigration and aeronautical advisor to the Canal government at the Balboa airport.
She moved back to the US taking a job with the Ford Motor company in Washington, D.C. as a secretary to the public relations manager. At the same time, she started dating a handsome engineer named Karl Otto Kohler.
Karl was transferred to Afghanistan for an engineering job in 1955. He wrote to Shirley and told her he would be happy if she joined him. She quit her job and flew to Afghanistan. They married in Karachi, Pakistan on August 12, 1955. After their marriage they travelled across the desert over a gravel road 90 miles to a new town named Lashkar-Gah.
Karyl was born September 1, 1956 at an engineering camp in Kandahar. In 1958 the three traveled from their home in Lashkar-Gah to tour Europe. In 1959 the family returned to Lashkar-Gah only to find out that Shirley was expecting their second child. In 1960, the family returned to the US and settled in San Francisco for a short stay so Karl could receive medical treatment.
In early 1960 they moved to Bethesda, Maryland where their son Thomas was born on May 31, 1960. The family moved to Medford, Oregon in August 1969. In 1995, Karl passed away at the age of 89 on March 17.
Shirley led a very active life acting as the manager for 17 years at a local all-woman’s social club, attending luncheons, enjoying bridge games, and holding many dinner parties. Shirley remained there until 2013 when she moved to Helena Montana shortly before her 90th birthday.
She is survived by her son Thomas Steven Kohler (Susie), daughter Karyl Susan Tobel (David), grandson Taylor Keith Goodhart, and granddaughter Katharine Elise Goodhart (Cody).
She will be laid to rest at Memory Gardens in Jacksonville, Oregon next to her husband.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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FJ says
Karyl, I only learned of your mom’s passing today.
She lived a long and full life with your dad. I enjoyed
her company a couple of times. Thank you for being close to her in the last few years
Sending His blessings and comfort to you today in
loving memory of your dear mother –
Fran. 4/11