David B. Koehler, 48, died Tuesday, April 1, 2014 due to complications from Huntington's Disease at the Laurel Lake Center for Health and Rehabilitation, where he resided for six years. Born in Schenectady, Dave was the son of Nancy and Bruce Koehler, who predeceased him. He and his sister, Rev. Sue Koehler-Arsenault (David Arsenault), along with his nephew, Peter Koehler, enjoyed many happy times as a family, especially traveling with their dear friend, Deborah Czubak, to Fort Lauderdale, Hilton Head, Sanibel Island, Boston, Burlington, VT, and Montreal. Dave is remembered by his stepmother, Jane King, his stepsister, Becky Wiles, and stepbrother, Bruce King, as well as many extended family members. Dave attended Niskayuna schools, where he excelled in baseball and football, and was a graduate of South Burlington (Vermont) High School. He was blessed with an easy-going disposition and was able to meet the challenges of Huntington's Disease with courage and grace. In spite of the many struggles and diminishments that came with his illness, Dave never complained. He focused on what he could do and enjoy each day and not on what he was unable to do. Dave truly enjoyed his life, finding happiness in the relationships he shared with family, friends, and the staff and residents at the Laurel Lake Center. Sports were a big part of Dave's life - as an athlete, a fan, and supporter of his nephew, Pete. Many happy times were spent rooting for the Red Sox, Reds, Patriots, Vikings, and any team Pete played on. Dave loved to golf, especially with his good friend, Jim Markopolous. While at Laurel Lake, he began hiking, practicing yoga, and horseback riding at Blue Rider Stables thanks to the amazing staff there. Weekly massages were a highlight. Dave's good nature was appreciated by family and friends. His family is grateful to Deborah Czubak, April Dunbar, Tim Oleksiak, Tom Higgins, Jenny Amory, Stacey Tannatta Phillips, Sr. Susan Regan and Sr. Meg Guider for their friendship to Dave over the years. The family is extremely grateful to the staff at Laurel Lake, who truly loved Dave and enabled him to live an active and fulfilling life. Funeral services will be held at Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 4th , with calling hours from 2-4 p.m. Interment will occur at St. Joseph Polish Cemetery, Worcester Road, in Webster, MA at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 5th. To honor Dave's memory, donations may be sent to The Huntington's Activity Program at the Laurel Lake Center (c/o Sarah Miller), 620 Laurel Street, Lee, MA 01238 or Blue Rider Stables, 16 Farm Lane, Great Barrington, MA 01230 or the Huntington's Disease Society of America (www.hdsa.org).

Visitation Details

Friday, April 4th, 2014 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Kelly Funeral Home

Service Details

Friday, April 4th, 2014 4:00pm, Kelly Funeral Home