"Dear Friends You have been so kind to leave these wonderful messages in tribute to Carol. I miss her so much but your kindness sustains me. Thank you Paul Koehler"
In loving memory of
Carol Koehler
Carol Koehler, Paul's wife and best friend for 36 years, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2014 with Paul at her side. Carol was born on October 4, 1944 in San Francisco where she grew up and graduated from Lowell High School and San Francisco State University. She attended graduate school at Arizona State University. As a respected teacher in the Murphy and Washington Elementary School Districts, Carol made a positive difference in the lives of many young children. When she retired, she enjoyed volunteering at John C. Lincoln Hospital, spending time with her friends and pursuing her passion for crafts, knitting and quilting. Carol and Paul enjoyed boating and spent many happy days with friends and family on the waters around San Diego. Most recently Carol helped decorate their new home in Carlsbad, California. Carol's family is grateful for the excellent care she received during her year-long battle with cancer from the Mayo Clinic and most recently from Hospice of the Valley. There, her final days were comfortable and filled with care. Carol is survived by her husband Paul, sister Barbara Dopson and brother-in-law George of Vancouver, Washington; nephew Richard Dopson, wife Christine and children Anna and Miles of Scripps Ranch, California. The private funeral will be followed by burial when Carol's ashes will be scattered in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. No memorial service is planned. Her family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Carol's name to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org or a favorite charity. Carol was a special, loving bright light who is already greatly missed.
Tributes
"Dear Paul, I was so sad to hear of Carol\'s illness and death. She was a lovely person who was always gracious and kind. I have fond memories of meals shared, trips to San Diego, Christmas Eve gatherings, shared stories and laughter. You are in my thoughts and prayers Pat Schaefer"
"Paul, I was shocked to read of Carol\'s death. Thankfully you have many wonderful memories to help you through this difficult time. I am sorry I never met Carol but I always heard such good things about her. You are in our thoughts. Carol (former Madison board member)"
"Paul - I am so very sorry for your loss. When my sister passed away you comforted me and I have always appreciated that. Please know that I understand the pain you are feeling. Carol was a delightful person and the short times I had with her were enjoyable. She will be missed."
"Paul, I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you and sending you a hug. Laura"
"Paul, as you know, I hate cancer. It has taken many of my family members, and tried to take me. So when I learn of someone that has been taken, I have just a little more hurt and sadness inside, and much empathy for those family members who are affected by this terrible disease. As for Carol and you, Mayo & Hospice of the Valley were the places to be to minimize pain and suffering, and to try to help you understand - although I know that\'s impossible. What you have are wonderful memories, both for you to keep and share, and that will keep Carol here with you and us until you meet her again. Keep those memories close, my friend, as they will actually give you strength in time. And if I can help, don\'t hesitate to call on me. Jack"
"Dear Paul, I am so very sorry to hear about Carol. I remember all those years ago when you and Carol met at my house in that first class gathering. And I am so grateful that you had such a lovely life together and so sorry that it ended much too soon. I am sending you love and strength. Maryann"
"Paul, Rick Friedlander called me to say that his wife DeeDee saw Carol\'s obituary. Needless to say this was a shock to all of us. We all extend our sympathies and support to you, your and Carol\'s families. Albeit we have not been in touch for some time, please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Most importantly, if, as and when you have the time and energy let\'s try and reunite. With our sympathies, Peter and Patti Winkler"
"Paul, I was so very sorry to hear that Carol passed away. I remember her as being a very warm, friendly and sincere woman with a very sweet smile. She touched so many lives and made a huge difference in the children she taught. How lucky they all were. My thoughts of strength and understanding go out to you and all your family members. Sincerely, Pat Galbraith"
"Dear Paul, Ward and I are saddened with the news of Carol\'s death. She was a friend of thirty years and my son, Andrew\'s godmother. I cherish the memories of our days at Murphy SD and later as we went our separate ways to new adventures. She was so much fun to be around with and have a laugh or two. Carol\'s love and support during my battle with cancer will never be forgotten. Her cards and phone calls were life savers for me then. She has been in my daily prayers as you are during this time. We love you Paul. Always, Maggie and Ward Cockrum"
"Thank you Nina Carol for all the guidance and support you have provided me with. I wish I could have spent more time with you these past few years, but I cherish the time I did get to spend with my godmother growing up. Love you Nina!"
"Carol was a delight to be around. I will always remember her cheery smile at Sunnyslope Elementary School where we taught together. She was loved by all, especially the students whom she taught. I hope the good memories will sustain you, Paul. Rest in peace, Carol."
"Dr. Koehler, I was so sorry to read about Carol. She will be deeply missed. I\'ve thought of you both so often and am so glad you got to California, as I know how you loved going there. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time."
"Forty years ago, a young man from New York walked into Andy\'s office looking for a teaching job. That began a long friendship that soon included Carol and then me, Joan. Carol was a wonderful hostess, a great cook, and a willing shopping companion! When we moved from Phoenix to Jamestown, CA, Paul and Carol, along with Paul and Joy Kaplan, helped us pack our belongings into a big U-Haul and then repack them into a bigger U-Haul. We had a great send-off late-night dinner of pizza and ice cream, before leaving at midnight, August 18, 1988. That was the last time we saw them, but we often reminisced about our times together. We were saddened to hear of Carol\'s passing, but are happy for the time we spent together."
"I am so sorry to hear about the loss of this dear lady. She was such a caring teacher to all her students and a helpful colleague in my early years at Murphy."
"Dear Paul, I am sending you deep sympathy for the loss of your beautiful wife Carol. Many hugs....Chrissy Jones"
"Paul, We are sorry for the loss of your dear wife - she was always so kind and gracious. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers."
"I first met Carol at Murphy #1 when she was my son\'s (George Yandell) second grade teacher, then I became the Secretary of the school and we became friends. She was a gentle and loving person and a wonderful teacher. Even after my son left her classroom she would still have him and some of the other kids that had been in her class over to swim during the summer. He even today remembers her as one of his favorite teachers. My prayers are with the family."
"Paul, I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Carol. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jim"
"What a wonderful person the world and so many children had a chance to share time with. A kind and gentle bright light who lit up so many lives. Her memory will glow on with all of us."
"My momories of working with Paul always warm my heart. Carol was always cheerful, kind and posessed a welcoming and inviting personality. To her a \'stranger\' was only a friend she hadn\'t met yet. She leaves behind legions of those friends."
"Dear Paul, So sorry to hear of your tragic loss of your beloved wife Carol. My prayers are with all as you deal with this tragedy. I remember you both taking time from your busy schedule to attend my Ashley\'s first Birthday party. That was a difficult time in my life and I appreciated your thoughtfulness. Sincerely, Cheryl Crates"
"Carol was a wonderful, dedicated teacher. I had the honor of working with her for several years. She touched so many young lives. She will be greatly missed, but not forgotten."
"Dr. Koehler, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know you and your family are in my prayers. Dr. Michael Crudder"
"My sincere sympathy to you, Paul, and the family. The Madison School District, West Ed, and JCLincoln Auxiliary touched our lives over the years. Wishing the very best to you. With my prayers and supporting thoughts......Judy Ward"
"We have 30 years of warm memories - all those Thanksgiving day dinners and Fiesta Bowl Parades and sitting on the fantail watching the sunset. Those are what we hold close today."