Ernest “Ernie” A. Kohler, 81, of Lake Tomahawk, died Sept. 1, 2012, at Seasons of Life Hospice in Woodruff. He was born Oct. 28, 1930, in Cudahy, to Frank and Helen (Kramer) Kohler.

Ernie was a graduate of Cudahy High School. After high school he entered the U.S. Navy and served from 1948-1951. He then entered the U.S. Marine Corp where he served from 1951-1952. He then returned to Cudahy where he worked as a machinist at Ladish Co. for 391/2 years until his retirement. He married Helen on Feb. 12, 1955. He enjoyed reading, bowling camping and being by the water, especially fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Helen E. Kohler of Lake Tomahawk; children Jeffrey Kohler of Richfield and Debra Kohler of New Albin, Iowa, a brother, Richard (Gerri) Kohler of Montello; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded by his parents; a daughter, Jill Kohler; and a brother, Frank Kohler

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m., at the Hemer Funeral Home in Rib Lake. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Rib Lake, where full military honors will be performed by the Rib Lake Area Military Honors Team.

(Hemer Funeral Service)