Obituary: Koomler, Thomas
Age 85
KOOMLER,
Thomas
(Age 85)
Thomas Koomler, known by friends and family as “Gene”, passed away on March 22 at the age of 85, in Eagle, Idaho.
He was surrounded by his family.
Gene was born on February 13, 1931 in Wallace, Idaho to Robert and Ellen Koomler.
Robert passed away when Gene and his brother were quite young, leaving his mother, Ellen, to raise two rambunctious boys on her own.
They moved to Boise where Gene attended St. Joseph’s school and then St. Theresa’s.
Gene definitely left his mark at these Catholic schools and there was never any question about him being able to enter the priesthood.
He was adored by the priests, but spent a little too much time confessing sins.
After graduation in 1950, Gene joined the Air National Guard where he served for three years.
He then married his high school sweetheart Rita Ebbers in July 1953.
They had five wonderful children and 11 grandchildren.
Gene started his career with SAFECO Insurance Company.
He ended with Fred S. James/Sedgwick in Spokane.
His reputation was one of “telling it like it is” and finding the best in people and helping THEM recognize it.
He carried his emotions on his sleeve and ended many of his meetings and discussions with, “God Luv Ya”.
Gene’s favorite hobby was golf.
We can’t say he excelled at it, but he sure enjoyed getting his frustrations out with the club.
One of the favorite family events was a yearly golf tournament at Chewelah Golf Course just north of their place at Loon Lake.
Everyone knew Gene’s pride and joy were his grandkids.
We think he put up with HIS kids because he adored his grandkids.
He was the quintessential grandpa.
He had a lake place and ski boat that he sunk a fortune into just so he could take the kids skiing and tubing.
He taught us all the old Irish songs which we would sing around the campfire.
He was the one who determined that Kevin’s family needed a boxer.
Thus he surprised the boys with a puppy on Christmas.
He would do anything for his kids and grandkids - and he did.
Gene leaves behind a legacy of hard work ethic, strong faith and commitment to family.
Everyone who knew Gene immediately liked him.
He had a quick wit, Irish song in his heart and on his lips, and everyone was a friend.
Gene was preceded in death by his wife Rita, his sister Loretta, brother Robert and sister-in-law Marie.
He leaves behind five children, Loretta, Kevin (Peggy), Larry (Chris), Colleen (Tom) and Ellen (Ron).
Along with 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, with two more on the way and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rosary Vigil will be held April 3 at Holy Apostles Church in Meridian, Idaho at 7:30 pm.
Funeral services will be April 4 at Holy Apostles Church at 11:00 am.
Monetary donations may be made to the Parkinson Foundation.
Condolences may be made at www.bowmanfuneral.com