Karl Kohler

Karl A. Kohler, age 58, of Ellicottville, New York, formerly of Snowbrook Road, Great Valley, New York died early Tuesday morning, December 22, 2009 at Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, New York following a long fought illness.

Born on January 28, 1951 in Bradford, Pa. he was the son of Jeanette Brown Kohler and the late Alan Kohler. Mr. Kohler was married in Ellicottville, New York on August 12, 1978 to his wife Patricia Wolf.

Mr. Kohler was employed with the Holiday Valley Resort for over 35 years working as the assistant Greenskeeper and also the Holiday Valley Ski Patrol.

He was an avid outdoorsman who skied extensively throughout North America. He was well known for the maple syrup he made with his parents.

Mr. Kohler was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bradford, Pa and a member of the National Ski Patrol. He was also a member of the Tuesday night Holiday Valley men’s Golf League.

Surviving besides his wife and mother are: 2 daughters, Kate Kohler, Colorado and Laura Kohler, Ellicottville, New York; 2 sisters, LaVonne Yetman, Killbuck, New York and Donna (Larry) Sinibaldi, Fla.; several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 from 1-3 & 5-8 P.M. at which time a prayer service will be held with Rev. Mary Houck of the Emanuel Lutheran Church, Bradford, Pa. officiating.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family and will be announced.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Holiday Valley Ski Patrol.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com.