KOEHLER, Wilfried

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Wilfried Koehler after several years of decline on October 31, 2022 at the age of 89. Willy was a beloved Dad, Opa, Uhr-Opa, Uncle, Brother-in-law and Friend.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Sonja (nee Edelmann) of 46 years, Lorraine, his parents Gerda and Artur, stepfather Heinrich, sister Gisela, parents in law Hermine and Adolf, brother in law Hans, nephews Ron, David and numerous friends. How often he said, “I am the oldest living in my family, I didn’t think I would get this old”.
Continuing the circle of life, he leaves his children Rose (Bill), Norman (Janet), Jasmine (Brian) along with his grandchildren Peggy, Rob (Roz), Carmel, Ashley (Jeremy), Amber (Chris), Erik (Brittany), Dustynne (Fraser), Tyler, Holly, Andy and great grandchildren Kieran, Darius, Liam, Dylan, Ethan and Zane. Brother in law Charlie and sisters in law Eva and Kate. Nephews Patrick, Ralph (Barbara), Norman and niece Silvia.
Born in 1933 in Stettin [Szczecin, now Poland], his formative years were spent in the horror of wartime Germany. At the age of 10, he found refuge with a family in a rural home outside of Berlin who cared for and protected him, Willy fearing he would never see his family again. When the war ended, he was reunited with his parents by the Red Cross. He would never speak of this hard time in his life, only the gratitude of the family that saved him.
Willy left post war Germany for a better life in Canada at the age of 21, embarking on the S. Arosa Klum. Arriving in Canada his surname changed spelling from Köhler to Koehler.
Willy and Sonja met at a German Club in Toronto. Both being new to Canada, they found comfort in the common and familiar culture, dancing many nights away. Countless weekends were spent at High Park and Wasaga Beach.
Willy was a hard working family man and provider to his growing family. He was very proud of his children, his first car a ’57 Chevy and the first home they could buy. He worked as a Tool and Die Maker at Accurate Mould, putting in much overtime and left the child rearing to Sonja. Being ambitious to get ahead, he began Berolina Mould, building many interesting dies for plastic parts. He proudly became a Canadian citizen in 1961.
As life became easier the weekends were enjoyed at the family cabin on Parry Island in Georgian Bay, packing up the family every Friday and returning late on Sunday nights. Many families and friends from near and far spent weekends there with Willy and Sonja and their children.
Moving into their home on Lexington Avenue, many parties were had with the young and crazy neighbourhood adults, as the children slept. Willy took up the home movie craze and took hours of film of family and friends, capturing those special occasions.
Willy was a devoted and active member in the Newmarket German Club, organizing cultural events, fundraisers, picnics and dances. The family was at the centre of events and all members of any age were always welcome enjoying great food, music and dance. From a young age Willy and Sonja’s children often attended the dances, countless Oktoberfests and learned the passion of waltz and polka.
Willy faced his first encounter with mortality having a quadruple by-pass at the age of 53. He was forever thankful to Dr. Hess for his skill in the early years of cardiac care and giving Willy another 36 years of life to enjoy. Gratitude is also extended to Dr. Larry Alter for the many years as Willy’s primary care physician.
Willy and Sonja enjoyed many cruises to Caribbean destinations and became snowbirds in St. Petersburg, FLA. Willy and Sonja took up golf and enjoyed countless rounds at Orchard Beach Golf Club with many new friends. Sit on his bench there and have a toast to him. A special mention and thank you to Hilde and Wolf for the years of friendship, and all those weekly brunches at The Buttery. Willy enjoyed playing Skat, very regularly meeting with his card playing friends. Bowling was a passion and Willy became quite proficient, playing in his division’s tournaments. These were special days often spent with Doris and Claus.
Fiercely independent and proud, he resisted making the move to a care home. When the time came he was warmly welcomed and tirelessly cared for at Southlake Residential Care Village in Newmarket.
The family extends their utmost gratitude to the compassionate care provided by staff on 2West, especially Dr. Mike Borchuk, NP Aida, Nurses Sarah and Trudy, PSW’s Alma, Josephine, Heidi and Sara.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Taylor Funeral Home, 524 Davis Drive, Newmarket, Ontario on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Family Interment to follow.
Willy will find his final rest at Highland Memory Gardens beside Sonja to continue their everlasting dance to many tunes, a couple of favourites being “Blue Spanish Eyes” and “Delilah”.
Those wishing to remember Willy in a special way, please consider a donation to Southlake Residential Care Village.