Harry Michael Koehler, 80, of Piney Point, MD died March 5, 2007 in Piney Point, MD. Born February 28, 1927 in Passaic, NJ he was the son of the late Emil and Gertrude Walther Koehler. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Catherine Leah Bradburn Koehler on August 2, 2004 whom he married on May 3, 1951 in Our Lady's Church in Medley's Neck. He is survived by his children: Michael Koehler of California, MD who was married to Darlene Johnson Koehler for 28 years before she passed away on October 21, 2006 and Charlene Koehler Forrest and her husband Sonney of Solomons, MD; 2 grandchildren: Jeffrey Koehler (22) of Tampa, FL and Julie Koehler (18) of California, MD; sister: Doris Dunn and her husband Bob of Pinehurst, NC; sister in-law: Mary Agnes Cobbs of Piney Point, MD; 4 nephews and 3 nieces: Glenn Wilson, Mark Wilson, Chuck Cobbs, Bernie Koehler, Lynn Koehler, Robin Koehler and Steve Koehler. He was also preceded in death by his brother: Bobby Koehler on September 3, 1977 at the age of 40. Mr. Koehler joined the Navy at the age of 17 and was activated on his 18th birthday (February 28, 1945). He completed 8 years with the USN as a Ships Cook and went to work at the Patuxent Naval Air Station in 1953. He stayed at Patuxent River with the Supply Department until his retirement on March 5, 1982…. 29 years later, He retired with a total of 37 years of service to the Navy. Upon his retirement he was the Senior Civilian Supply Officer of the Base. While in the Navy at the Torpedo Test Center at Piney Point, MD he met his late wife Catherine Leah Bradburn Koehler. Harry joined the 2nd District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad in 1967 as a Board of Director. He went on to hold offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Chief Rescue, Captain Rescue, Lieutenant Rescue and Engineer Rescue all while maintaining his seat on the Board of Directors. He was also a Charter Member of the St. Mary's County Advanced Life Support Unit and stayed with them for many years until he felt it best to only commit to the people of the 2nd and 9th Districts that Valley Lee serves. He has been the St. Mary's County Rescue Chief since 1987 and supports the role in conjunction with Dr. John Roache. He served the people of St. Mary's County with pride and compassion.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 8, 2007 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Valley Lee Volunteer Fire House, where Prayers will be said at 7:00 PM followed by Fire Department Prayers at 7:15 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 9, 2007 at 10:30 AM in St. George's Catholic Church, Valley Lee, MD with Fr. Mark Ervin officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to: 2nd District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box, 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692, Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and/or Out Patient Infusion Center (OPIS) St. Mary's Hospital, P.O. Box 527, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.