Dr. Irving Aaron Koffler, age 98, died Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Irving was born on May 28, 1924 to Jacob and Helen Koffler in Newark, New Jersey, then moved with his family to Mobile in 1938. An accomplished musician from a young age, Irving played piano then jazz trumpet in Bill Lagman’s dance orchestra during summers and Mardi Gras seasons, starting at age 14. Irving graduated from Murphy High School in 1941, then attended Springhill College and the University of Alabama. While at UA, he played trumpet with the Alabama Cavaliers. He transferred to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and graduated in 1947. After serving five years active duty with the National Guard at various stations in the US, Irving and his family moved to Mobile, where he helped found Internal Medicine and Oncology Associates. Irv played classical piano until his early 90s, kept fit over the years by running, biking, swimming, and walking, and practiced internal medicine until his retirement. Irv and his wife Gerre traveled extensively during their marriage, and Irving also participated in many international medical mission trips with Christ United Methodist Church. Dr. Koffler was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine “Gerre” Slepian Koffler; daughter Joanne Russell (Mike); daughter Susan Ruth Koffler; parents Jacob and Helen Koffler; and daughter-in-law Kaye Koffler. Dr. Koffler is survived by his son Dr. Warren “Randy” Koffler; grandchildren Alyssa Russell, Jake Koffler (Leigh), and Lauren Denton (Matt); great-grandchildren Pearce and Ellis Koffler and Kate and Sela Denton; family friends and caretakers Ervin and Wanda Hackworth; and other relatives and friends. Graveside services and interment will be held in Springhill Avenue Temple Cemetery on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Springhill Avenue Temple, 1769 Springhill Ave., Mobile, AL 36607. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
