William Henry Koehler

William H. “Bill” Koehler, age 85, a resident of Falls Church, VA for 47 years, died Sunday, June 3rd, 2018. He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 49 years, Mildred; nephew, David Koehler, niece, Karen Koehler; sister-in-law; Elaine Koehler, sister-in-law Guelda Skaggs, brothers-in law Grady Terry, Carl (Nellie) Terry, and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends that will cherish their memories of Bill. Bill was born in Englewood, NJ in 1932 to William and Louisa Koehler and was raised in Ft. Lee, NJ. He graduated from Ft. Lee High School and Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ where he was Air Force ROTC and received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Bill was commissioned in September 1953 and served in South Korea as an Air Police Officer. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in September 1955 and recruited for the Central Intelligence Agency to provide security for the U2 program in Germany. Bill had a long and distinguished career with the CIA, attaining the rank of Senior Intelligence Service (SIS) – 2, eventually retiring in 1990. While employed with the CIA, Bill met Mildred “Millie” Terry who was also employed with the CIA. They were married in 1969 and enjoyed travelling together, gardening, winemaking, and spending time with relatives and friends. In retirement, Bill and Millie became involved in several volunteer activities. For 25 years they volunteered for the Virginia State Arboretum (FOSA), and worked for “Save the Bay” Oyster Foundation to help restore oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. They were also life members of Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, and Meals on Wheels volunteers for many years. In addition, Bill and Millie were members of Signa (Office of Security Retirement Association) where they wrote, edited, and photographed for the newsletter. Bill also provided tax assistance to AARP members in need for 10 years. Bill was known for his great generosity, and was a philanthropist extraordinaire for family and organizations. Bill had a great love for people and conversation. He had a quick wit and was a great storyteller. He was a devoted husband, loving uncle, brother, cousin, and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A gathering takes place from 12:00 – 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 16 at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 West Broad St., Falls Church, VA. A memorial service follows the gathering at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill's name to the Signa Society, P.O. Box 220031, Chantilly, VA 20153-0031, or Friends of the State Arboretum (FOSA) 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce, VA 22620.