George E. Koehler, 71, of Downers Grove, a retired employee of the Railroad Retirement Board in Chicago, died Tuesday, April 25, in Good Samaritan Hospital, Downers Grove. Mr. Koehler formerly was a professor of German at St. Precopius College in Lisle before it was renamed Illinois Benedictine College and, ultimately, Benedictine University, where he taught for 12 years. He received a bachelor’s degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., and a master’s degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee. Mr. Koehler was a resident of Downers Grove for 31 years, served in the military and was a longtime member of St. Mary of Gostyn Church, where he was an usher. Mr. Koehler is survived by his wife, Jean; two daughters, Maria Fraser and Lisa Morrissey; and four grandchildren. Visitation will be from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday in Adams-Winterfield and Sullivan Funeral Home, 4343 Main St., Downers Grove, followed by mass at 10 a.m. in St. Mary of Gostyn Catholic Church, Prairie Avenue and Douglas Road, Downers Grove.
