Rev. Dr. Ralph D. Koehler Sr.

November 7, 1955 - March 8, 2017

Rev. Dr. Ralph D. Koehler, beloved husband of Ruth M. Koehler (nee Kalesse), passed away on March 8, 2017 at 61 years of age. He is survived by his loving wife, his three children Sara Koehler, Julia Gonzalez and Ralph D. Koehler Jr, his two brothers, Broderick (Rick) Koehler and Andrew H. Koehler, and his five grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, Doris Ann Koehler (nee Denny) and Paul F. (Bud) Koehler, and his brother Paul F. Koehler Jr. Ralph was born November 7, 1955 and was a graduate of Penns Grove High School class of 1973, where he excelled in sports and academics. He graduated from Rowan University with a degree in Mathematics, and went on to earn two Masters degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics. He later earned a PhD in Divinity. Ralph had a long and respected career at Lockheed Martin Corporation, before retiring to serve the Lord full-time as a beloved Chaplain in many of South Jersey’s nursing homes. He also spent many years as an avid evangelist. His motto was a verse from the Bible, James 1:27: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” A devout man, Ralph loved to study the Bible, play the guitar and sing, and spend time in nature. He was also an excellent part-time care taker of his grandchildren. He is best remembered as a wise, loving and devoted family man, and for his kind, generous and upright spirit. Ralph is the author of several books, which can be found on his website, http://www.Jesus7777.com. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, March 16 at Ashcraft Funeral Home in Pennsville from 10:00-11:00AM with a memorial service to follow at 11am. Burial will follow at Lawnside Cemetery in Pilesgrove, NJ In lieu of flowers, please donate to Ranch Hope Alloway, NJ at www.ranchhope.org. www.ashcraftfuneralhomes.com