Alden
Cary “Duke” Ehler, a man with a big personality and endless
amounts of friends, passed peacefully into the arms of his wife,
Emily, and son, Michael, on March 31, 2025, encapsulated by his most
loving and attentive daughters. We were gifted the opportunity to
experience his wit one more time as our family gathered by his side
the day before his passing. We shared laughter and tears, knowing
that those memories will never fade and we will hold them for a
lifetime.
Duke
was born on February 22, 1931, in New Haven, Conn., to Irwin and
Isabelle Ehler. He joined the U.S. Air Force stationed at Arnold Air
Force Base in Tullahoma, Tenn., where he met and married the love of
his life, Emily. Duke served in the Korean War and upon his return
was assigned to Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester, Vt., for “Operation
Coldspot.” Although he would say he initially couldn’t wait to
get the heck out of the Vermont cold, he learned to love it and
stayed here to raise his family. Together with Emily, their business
ventures began with Ehler’s Bay Breeze Motel in Malletts Bay, then,
after moving their family to Essex Junction, they opened Ehler’s
Sunoco and Service Station on Pearl Street. Wanting to expand, they
purchased a chicken farm in Essex Town and creatively converted the
old barn into a new home for their business. With a love for camping
and travel and the support of Deb and Mike, they added recreational
vehicles to their lineup and expanded into a new building and
business known as Ehler’s RV, Inc., on the same property. The
family business was exactly that … a place where customers became
family. Mom and Dad caravanned extensively throughout the U.S. with
their dear RV friends and traveled to Japan and Germany with their
family.
Through
their own actions, Mom and Dad demonstrated the importance of helping
others, which they have passed on to us. Duke was a very patriotic
American, believed in public service, and loved, honored and
respected all military members. Together, Dad and Mom were longtime
members of the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, where
Dad held many board positions in the earlier years. They were members
and officers of the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), Winnebago
International Travelers Club (WIT) and Good Sam Club. Duke was a
member of the Masonic Lodge, Cairo Shriners, Elks, American Legion
and North Country Honor Flight. Duke retired from the Vermont Air
Guard Green Mountain Boys 158th FW after many years of service.
Mom
and Dad loved to travel and loved their camp in Georgia, Vt.,
affectionately known as Ehlerville Lakeside, where the family
gathers and creates beautiful memories together on the shores of Lake
Champlain. Dad was our honorary offerer of the blessing before every
meal, thanking the Lord for our togetherness and praying for our
loved ones living afar and for military personnel. Over the years he
could be found at his grandkids’ sports and school functions,
cheering them on with great pride (even when in the penalty box);
trailering animals to shows; and running into former customers and
military buddies everywhere he went. He was happiest when in the
company of friends and family. He shared his love for everything hot
sauce with his grandkids.
Duke
will be greatly missed not only by his family but also by all of his
friends in the community that he served so well. He was a man who
touched so many people’s lives and hearts and was always willing to
offer a helping hand.
Duke
will now be guiding his family from the heavens. He leaves his
daughters, Linda Kilpatrick of Tennessee, Debra Ehler Holland of
Essex and Donna Ehler-Vock (Steve) of South Burlington; son-in-law
Dan Holland; and daughter-in-law, Karen Ehler. He was a loving
grandfather and Daddy Duke to Iris (Ben) Rieben; Danny Kilpatrick;
Jennifer (Scott) and Meghan (Lindsey) Holland; Tyler (Megan),
Kayleigh (Ian) and Kyle (Madison) Ehler-Vock; and Jackson (Halle)
Ehler. He was blessed with six great-grandchildren, McKenzie,
Pearson, Spencer Rieben, Trace and Kinsley Kilpatrick, and Otis Vock.
He also leaves a niece and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife,
Emily; son, Michael; brother, Bill Ehler, and wife Lois;
brother-in-law, Roy Bartlette, and wife Janie, son-in-law Dan
Kilpatrick Sr.; and infant grandchildren Matthew and Maria Ehler-Vock
and Charles Alden Ehler.
Our
family would like to express our deep appreciation for those involved
in Dad’s life and care: doctors, nurses, family and friends, staff
at Mansfield Place and BAYADA Hospice.
Family
and friends are invited to celebrate Duke’s life on Saturday, May
10, 11 a.m., at the First Congregational Church of Essex Junction.
In
lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to First Congregational Church, 39 Main St., Essex Junction, VT 05452. Please
note “Heavenly Food Pantry/Duke Ehler” on the memo line or
contribute online, or visit a loved one in need of
companionship.
The
family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by
visiting awrfh.com.