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Elmer Leonard Koehler, age 90 passed away October 14, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Stillwater, Minnesota where he resided the past two years.

He was born on October 11, 1920 in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin to parents Michael and Sophia (Casper) Koehler. He attended school in Turtle Lake and worked on the family farm with his eight brothers and sisters. He served in the US Army in World War II in the European Theatre from 1942-1945 where he was wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart. Elmer returned home after the war and worked at Maple Island Farms and in 1947 rented the Archie Montpetit farm with his brother Leonard until 1949. Elmer and Leonard then bought a 260 acre farm in Osceola, Wisconsin. They farmed together until 1973 when Elmer bought a hobby farm in Dresser, Wisconsin.

Elmer met the love of his life Helen (Medin) Peterson at a dance at the Taylors Falls Ballroom in 1991 and they were married April 11, 1992. Elmer then sold his hobby farm and retired and enjoyed traveling with his wife, going to dances, and their homes in North Branch, and Lindstrom, Minnesota, where they moved in 2001.

Elmer is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters, Michael Koehler, Anna Koehler Molls, Edward Koehler, Harry Koehler, Helen Koehler Gagner, Alfred Koehler and Leonard Koehler. Elmer is survived by his wife Helen; a sister Hatti Peters; step-children Janice (Richard) Bromert, Michael (Donna) Peterson, Kathleen Lenzmeier, Mark (Lisa) Peterson; grandchildren and great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City, Minnesota. Interment at Hillside Cemetery in Center City. Arrangements by the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom. Condolences may be left online at www.grandstrandfh.com.

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