Mary E. Koehl, 78, of Des Plaines, a retired executive secretary, died of lung cancer Monday, June 3, in Holy Family Medical Center in Des Plaines. Mrs. Koehl was born in Charleston, Mo., and raised in Chicago. She graduated from Immaculata High School. From 1959 to 1989 she worked as an executive secretary and leasing agent at Arthur Rubloff Co. Mrs. Koehl taught herself to use a computer at age 77, said her daughter, Diana Froling. Despite illnesses in the last seven years, Mrs. Koehl “kept active and remained positive,” her daughter said. “She enjoyed water aerobics, knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching.” She is also survived by her companion of 22 years, Bert Nielsen; and four grandchildren. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday followed by a service at 2 in Oehler Funeral Home, 555 Lee St., Des Plaines.
