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 oï¬cers 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., aï¬ectionately known as Ehlerville Lakeside, where the family gathers and creates beautiful memories together on the shores of Lake Champlain. Dad was our honorary oï¬erer 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 oï¬er 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, staï¬ 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.
This article appears in Apr 16-22, 2025.