Richard Donald Kogler

The greatest husband, dad, grampa, and grampa great died on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at his home in Baton Rouge. He was 88 years old, a graduate of Syracuse University and a retired chemical engineer from Borden Chemical where he served as Vice President of Engineering and Construction. He was a highly decorated WWII veteran of the 63rd Infintry Division, 254th Regiment of the 3rd Army who received the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, European Theater Operation Ribbon with 3 Battle Stars, American Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal. In addition he received the following French decorations for his contributions toward the liberation of France: Croix de Guerre with Palm, Premier Armee Francaise Rhin et Danube Alsace Liberation Medal, French Order of Combatant Medal, and a Diploma of Thanks from the French Government. Dick is survived by his loving wife, Fran, of 65 years; three sons, Rick and wife Jeannene, Scott and wife Melissa, and Kurt; 4 grandchildren, Amy Langler and husband Matt, Allison Matherne and husband Jimmy, Daniel Kogler and Laura Kogler; and 2 great grandchildren, Colby Langler and Naomi Langler, one brother, Robert M. Kogler and one sister, Dorothy Elizabeth Auer. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles C. Kogler and Dorothy Elizabeth Richards, and a brother Charles W. Kogler. Pallbearers will be Rick Kogler, Scott Kogler, Kurt Kogler, Daniel Kogler, Matt Langler, and Jimmy Matherne. Honory pallbearers will be Joe Variani, Bill Clark, Paul Lilienthal, Robert Kogler, and Mark Kogler. He ,was an accomplished stained glass artisian(see his web site www.grampasglass.com) who enjoyed vacations at the beach, watching western movies, and spending time with his family. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home from 5 pm to 8 pm Monday, May 2 and services will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home at 10 am Tuesday May 3. Interment to follow in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Hospice In His Care and to care giver Lili Mizell.