Final Salute

Thomas Maxwell Kohler, 87 years of Rio Dell, died after a brief illness on January 17, 2025 in Eureka, with his wife by his side.

Tom grew up in Petaluma. The son of Maxwell and Mary Kohler, he was in the U.S. Navy Reserve Seabees (“We Build, We Fight”) for eight years. He married Beverly Aichino in 1961. They had two children. Tom lived the majority of his adult life in Humboldt County along with a few years in Etna.

Tom was a Journeyman carpenter and worked for Pacific Bell. He was a master craftsman leather worker. Tom won the Ford Industrial Arts Award for Leather Crafting, as well as winning many ribbons at the California State Fair.

In 1962, he began working for CalFire. He was stationed in Healdsburg, Whitethorn and Garberville as a Firefighter, and later was Captain of the Mattole Valley Station in Honeydew. He retired from the State in 1991 with 30 years of exemplary service. Tom was hardworking, conscientious and respected by both his employees and superiors.

He was also a kind, patient, loving, selfless man who loved his family and friends. He had a great sense of humor. A friend to all, Tom never had a bad word to say about anyone.

Tom is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Bev; their children Maxwell Kohler and Michele Burley (Jesse) of Fortuna; grandchildren James Goff (Brittney Timmerman) of Rio Dell, Jessica Lonbeck (Daniel) of Salem, Oregon, Leah, Dylan, Jordan and Rose Burley of Fortuna, Max Kohler of Lewiston, Idaho; twelve great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Laura Gilmore (Allen) of Roseville and RoseMary (Roy) Jensen of Petaluma.

Tom will be missed tremendously and in our hearts forever.

Tom Kohler Celebration of Life

Saturday, April 5th @ 12 Noon

Mattole Grange

36512 Mattole Rd., Petrolia CA

Please bring your favorite potluck.  Main course will be provided.

Please RSVP by texting

707-656-6836 by 3/22