Obituary of Allen Everett Kroehler

Allen Everett Kroehler

Ithaca - The Reverend Allen Everett Kroehler, 91, died Saturday, February 3, 2018, in Ithaca, NY. Allen was born April 10, 1926, in Henderson, MN, the son of Franklin Philip Kroehler and Camilla Edna Brahs. He married Dorothy Louise Edmund on September 3, 1948, in Ottumwa, IA, and relished his 60 years with her.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister Linda Joy (Kroehler) Ness, and twin brother Loren Elliott Kroehler. He is survived by his brother Arden Franklin Kroehler. He had unlimited love for his children and their spouses: Brynn Andrea (Kroehler) Schmitt and Randal Schmitt of Ithaca, NY; Peter Allen Kroehler and Deborah (Houser) Kroehler of Partlow, VA; Carolyn Joy Kroehler and Michael Hughes of Blacksburg, VA; and Jonathan Edmund Kroehler and Kyle (Doyle) Kroehler of Fishers, IN.

Among the chief delights of his life were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom he enjoyed watching play, grow, and mature. His grandchildren are Daniel Schmitt, Johanna (Schmitt) Brown, Nora (Schmitt) Brown, Joshua Kroehler, Camilla Hughes, Edmund Hughes, Anderson Kroehler, and Hannah Kroehler. Allen moved recently from his home in Blacksburg, VA, to Ithaca, NY, where his great grandsons, Eli Brown (4) and Allen Brown (3), had the pleasure of living just a few miles from their "Great" for the last several months of his life.

Allen's journey as a life-long scholar began in a one-room schoolhouse and continued through his ordination as a minister in the United Church of Christ and his 30 year career teaching at Lancaster Theological Seminary. He devoted much of his professional and personal life to service work, and his philosophy of equality and care for all persons manifested in many ways, including his work with children, marching for civil rights in Washington, and founding the Laboratory for Leadership and Learning. His family will long remember his quick retorts, his delight in singing a hymn before a holiday meal, his Ovaltine mug, and his jigsaw puzzle mastery.

Allen's family would like to thank and honor the many people who dedicate themselves to helping people as they age and who provided so much comfort and aid to Allen in recent months. A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, February 23, at Glade Church, 1600 Glade Road, Blacksburg. The family will receive visitors at a reception with refreshments immediately after the service. Memorial donations may be made to Hospicare of Ithaca or to Glade Church.