Joseph E. Kofler

Joseph E. Kofler, 80 of Gaylord passed away Monday, August 24, 2015 at Hiland Cottage in Petoskey. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 17, 1935, Joe was the son of Joseph and Katherine (Lynch) Kofler.

Joe proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for three years. In 1997 he retired from General Motors Company. He and Donna were active at the Gaylord RSVP for many years and enjoyed volunteering. He was Santa in the Gaylord Santa Parade as he enjoyed the children’s excitement. He attended St. Mary Cathedral and enjoyed spending time on Lake Manuka.

On December 29, 1954 he married Donna Young in New Brunswick, NJ who survives. Also surviving are his two children, Kevin (Kathleen) Kofler of Lancaster, CA, and Kristina (Peter) Stark of Whitmore Lake; three grandchildren, Kaitlyn Kofler of Northville, Benjamin Stark of Whitmore Lake and Klaire Todd of Cosby TN; his sister, Patricia Logan of Manitowoc, WI and several nieces, nephews and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Joe was preceded in death by his son, Karl Kofler in 2013.

The family will be having a private celebration of life service at his home on Lake Manuka where Joe loved spending time. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Hiland Cottage, 1 Hiland Drive, Petoskey, MI 49770. Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 850 North Center Avenue, Gaylord. Please share your memories or personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com