LEWISTON — Edwin Isak Kohtala, 79, of Vienna, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by family, on Thursday, July 22, 2010, at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, after a short illness.

Eddie was born on Vienna Mountain, in the home where he lived and raised his family. He married Marie Griffin on April 13, 1957, at Levant Baptist Church.

As a young man, Eddie farmed, worked for Medomak Canning Company, and was employed at Bass Shoe for 30 years, retiring in 1996. Throughout his life he enjoyed being outdoors and loved caring for his blueberry fields, hunting deer and fishing.

He was a longtime member and deacon at Vienna Baptist Church. For 25 years, he served the town of Vienna as tax collector and constable.

Eddie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marie Kohtala, of Vienna; a sister, Mirjam Wood, of Vienna; a son, Ed Kohtala and wife, Angie, of Orono; two daughters, Kathy Knight and husband, Karl, of Dixfield, and Lory Zamboni and husband, Dave, of Wilton; a son, John Kohtala and wife, Amy, of Poland; and his precious grandchildren, Kevin, Maria and husband, Devin, Holly, Thomas, Devin, Hannah, Dustin, Rachel, Hope, Camille, Caitlin, Jordyn and Katherine.

Condolences and tributes may be shared with his family at www.wilesrc.com.