Ed Koehler
Edward Franklin Koehler, age 92, of Lincoln, died peacefully at home on April 27, 2023 Koehler was larger than life. He was an architect and artist whose work can be seen over five continents. His art included numerous album covers and murals. He was particularly proud of his final murals created for the Veterans Administration in Bedford. He was an arts and sports enthusiast who revered Stan Kenton, Frank Lloyd Wright, Modigiliani, Humphrey Bogart, the New York Giants, and the Boston Celtics. He had a lifelong passion for Native American people and their causes. His enthusiasm was contagious. He impacted all who knew him.
Koehler was born in Springfield, Mass., on August 29, 1930 and graduated from the University of Illinois before serving as a decorated Korean War veteran. He was prouder of his Combat Infantryman’s Badge than his Bronze Medal.
Ed leaves behind his children, Art and Debbie Koehler of Harvard; Chuck and Karen Koehler of Mattapoisett, Michael Koehler and Abby Goldstein of Brooklyn, N.Y., Laura Koehler and Cary Pepper of San Francisco, Lee Koehler and Brian Ward of Rockport, and Jeanie Koehler and Ron Rice of Concord. He was the husband for 57 years of the late Meg Koehler, father of the late Niki Koehler, and brother of the late Paul Fox Koehler.
Perhaps his greatest impact is his lasting influence on his seven children, seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren (with two more coming). He always loved his time with “the little ones.”
Family and friends will gather for visiting hours in the Dee Funeral Home (27 Bedford St., Concord) on Wednesday, May 3 from 5–7 p.m. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 4 at 11 a.m. in the Farrar Chapel at Dee Funeral Home. Burial will follow with U.S. Army military honors at Lincoln Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory made be made to the American Indian College Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord, which provided this obituary. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Ed’s online guestbook, please click here.
What an absolutely wonderful person! A long life lived well indeed. I worked with Ed for many years. I don’t think a day went by that I didn’t learn something new about the craft of architecture – such beautiful drawings, his family – you could tell how how proud he was, his early career in Harvard Square seeing the Modernist Giants of the field, even about building a stone wall – you had to talk to the stones so you knew where they belonged! His graphic montage Christmas card were such a real joy to receive.
I raise a Guinness to you brother!
Peace Ed