A Fellowship Luncheon in memory of Frank Kohler was held on Monday, September 30 by the Lexington Park Rotary at Elks Lodge #2092 in Great Mills with a capacity audience. Frank was a 16-year Rotary member, and had also served as Club President from 2005-6, and as King Oyster from 2006-7. He was one of 12 people tragically killed in the attack at the Navy Yard on September 16. Frank had been making the 65-mile commute from his home in Tall Timbers to the Yard where he worked on contract as a computer systems specialist.  He had previously worked as a contractor for Lockheed Martin here in Southern Maryland.

Frank grew up in Western Pennsylvania, graduating in 1985. He was a computer science major at Slippery Rock University and that is where he met his wife, Michelle.

During the luncheon, many people spoke to honor Frank’s memory. Rotary Club President Jack Pappas first introduced Del. John Bohanan who presented to Michelle a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol. Representing the St. Mary’s County Commissioners were President Jack Russell and Commissioner Todd Morgan. A proclamation from the Board of Commissioners of St. Mary’s County and a St. Mary’s County flag were given to Mrs. Kohler. Mr. Pappas also presented to Michelle a Tree of Life, sent by the Springboro, Ohio Rotary Club. Lexington Park Rotary Club member Larry Branthoover presented to Michelle a book of good wishes gathered from around the world.

Other Rotary club members shared remembrances at the microphone. Paul Manchak recognized Frank Kohler as instrumental in establishing the Rotary 1 Lexington Park School, located 10,000 miles away in a tiny Thai village. Chris Perlick remembered Frank as consistently saying, “Let’s get the job done!”  Bill Ryan gave personal reminisces. A presentation was made on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance in honor of Frank’s service to the community by Captain Jaime Engdhal, PMA 268. And Michelle Kohler spoke poignantly and eloquently to offer thanks for the outpouring of love and caring from the community.

Frank was highly regarded as a Rotary Club stalwart and his leadership and genuine friendship will be missed; the Club’s sincere condolences go out to the Kohler family.

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