Obituaries

Edwin “Ed” James Kohler, age 82, of Drummond Island, Michigan, died on July 28, 2025, at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey, Michigan. He was born on November 3, 1942, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to Edwin and Irene (Krahnke) Kohler.

Ed was raised in Gibraltar, Michigan, and graduated from Trenton High School. He went on to attend Ferris State University and Henry Ford Community College. He met Nijole “Nicki” Dimavicius, they married and started their family raising three sons. Ed went on to join the family business at Peck Electric, and through years of dedication and hard work with the I.B.E.W. Local 58, he earned his Master Electrician license and ultimately retired as a Business Agent in 2002. He married his second wife, Karen, in 1985 and resided in New Boston, Michigan, for many years. After retirement, Ed and Karen moved to Drummond Island, where he built his home on the Kohler Family property - a place that brought him peace and joy.

Ed generously gave his time as a volunteer EMS crew member in New Boston, Michigan, and was a proud member of the Shriners Motor Corps in his Masonic club. He also enjoyed serving as a coach for his sons' youth hockey teams.

Ed had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found mowing his lawn or tending to his pristine property. He enjoyed feeding the deer, playing golf—once even achieving a hole-in-one—and spending time with his beloved dogs, especially “Coco,” who held a special place in his heart. A devoted fan of the Detroit Red Wings, Ed also had a lifelong, love-hate relationship with the Detroit Lions. He especially loved cooking a good meal, best enjoyed at his favorite place—home on Drummond Island.

Ed is survived by his sons, Kevin (Lesley) Kohler of Boyne City, Michigan, Gordon Kohler of Farmington Hills, Michigan, and Brian (Michelle) Kohler of Gibraltar, Michigan; grandchildren, Savannah (Jorden) Conti, Shelby (Kyle) Jarvis, Sadie (Nick) Brown, Kira Kohler, and Aiden Kohler; and great-grandson, Archer Conti.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Karen; and parents, Edwin and Irene.

Visitation will be held August 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Drummond Island Lutheran Church, 29515 E Channel Rd, Drummond Island, MI 49726. The Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 AM.

Edwin’s final resting place will be at the Drummond Island Cemetery.