Gottfried Bruno Kohler, 89, of Piney Point, MD died November 4, 2016 at St. Mary's Nursing Center in Leonardtown, MD, surrounded by his loving family. Born April 30, 1927 in Schoenborn, Germany he was the son of the late Fritz Kohler and Elsa Ebert.

Gottfried served in the German military as a paratrooper. He was captured by the Russians, but escaped from their concentration camp. He married his beloved wife, Christine Flora Kohler in Germany. Together they celebrated over 65 wonderful years of marriage before her passing in February 2014. In 1956, with their oldest daughter, they immigrated to the United States from East Germany and resided in Garnerville, New York until 2013. At that time, Gottfried spent his remaining years in Piney Point, Maryland.

He was employed by General Motors as a Master Tool and Die Maker until his retirement. He also owned and operated Kohler's Skate Shop in New York. He fitted custom figure skates and mounted blades for professional and Olympian ice skaters. He was a master wood crafter and made many beautiful wooden ornaments and plaques with intricate details, which he enjoyed sharing with family and friends. He made furniture and, in the early years, even built an addition onto his home.

He was resourceful, gregarious, adventurous, generous and very friendly. He was fondly known as "Opa" by everyone. He never met a stranger. He cherished his family and always took the entire family on a vacation each year. Some of his favorite destinations included Hawaii, Arizona and Alaska. He was an avid downhill snow skiier, had a passion for watching ice hockey and enjoyed fine dining. In the last two years, he had taken a particular fondness to cruising.

Gottfried is survived by his loving daughters, Kristina Yusko (Tom) of Oakland, MD and Carla Rowell (Tony) of Piney Point, MD; two grandchildren, Thomas Yusko, Jr. (Amber) and Carla Otsuka (Matt); three great grandchildren, Alyssa, Sonya and Xavier; his sisters, Siglinde Reissig and Christine Mullineux; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he is also preceded in death by his siblings, Anneliese Anschutz and Christof Kohler.

A memorial service will be held at a late date. Notification will be provided to family and friends. Donations may be made to the Stony Point Presbyterian Church, 125 West Main Street, Stony Point, NY 10980. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.