Kenneth H. Kohler

Kenneth H. Kohler, 93, of Anna, died at 11:24 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna.

He was born on Jan. 22, 1923, in Anna, the son of William H. and Cora Meisenheimer Kohler.

He married Dorothy E. Bowen on Oct. 20, 1945, in Jonesboro. She preceded him in death on May 30, 2011.

He is survived by his two daughters, Sharon Kohler (David Futrell) of Carbondale and Linda (Jeff) Webb of Anna; one grandson, K.W. Carter (Tammy Wheaton) of Makanda; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy E. Kohler; a grandson, Tim Sadler; and two brothers.

He was a member of the Salem Lutheran Church in Jonesboro, where currently he was the oldest member. Early in his career, he worked for the State of Illinois Department of Corrections and later transferred to the Illinois State Police, where he retired after 25 years of service.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was the recipient of two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star medal.

He was a member of Anna Masonic Lodge No. 520 and Past Master, a member of the Shriners and the Anna Kiwanis.

He served as police commissioner and mayor for the City of Anna. During his time as mayor, he was instrumental in commissioning the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna.

Funeral services for Mr. Kohler were at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna, with Pastor Mark Hasty officiating. Interment was in the Anna City Cemetery.

Graveside military rites were conducted by Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 of the VFW in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard military honors team of Marion.

Masonic rites were said at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to Salem Lutheran Church.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna was in charge of arrangements.