Our Legacy of Love

About the Book

Our Legacy of Love --by: Peggy Koehler and Ken Koehler
Are you married; engaged; or in a long-term relationship? Have you experienced fantastic highs and stressful lows with your spouse and children. Many of us have encounteed communication breakdowns. Over a fifty-year period the Koehler’s experienced the gamut: financial hardships; career challenges; the teenage years; "at-risk" foster kids; resident in-laws; and other unanticipated adventures. Peggy describes these challenges as "Red Sea" encounters - when the waters begin to rise before we´ve made it to shore. Ken and Peggy share their survival secrets which include faith in God, prayer, and an abundance of love and laughter. Peggy says the key in any relationship is never to lose your sense of humor – at least at the same time.

Our Legacy of Love introduces Peggy and Ken, two ordinary people from diverse backgrounds, who fell in love; got married and somehow managed to not only survive the “Lion’s Den” ordeals, but to become strengthened and more in love as a result. In this touching and often humorous memoir, they inspire all of us with their stories of devotion, tolerance, faith and triumph. Most couples would have thrown in the towel years before, but as Peggy wrote, “We had no choice but to make our marriage work. We couldn’t afford to do otherwise. Failure was not an option.”

Though written following Ken’s passing in 2004 - eleven weeks after celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary, "Legacy" includes Ken’s own words via his heartfelt love letters to his beloved wife, and the anecdotes he penned under “Kenfetti,” a column published by a Southern California newspaper. Subsequent to Ken’s passing, Peggy received hundreds of letters from those whose lives had been touched by this couple, however this one from her daughter’s best friend sums up the Koehler’s influence on those dear ones that crossed their path: “I wanted to write something special about Ken. But in my mind there is no Ken without his Peggy. Peggy and Ken, like Burns and Allen; Tracy and Hepburn, the names are synonymous. You can’t say or think of one without the other. Their essence is one of unbreakable partnership, united forever. And in the eyes of this “other daughter,” their love story is as close to perfect as any you will find on this earth. I first came to know Peggy and Ken in 1974, when I became friends with Jill in high school. Their home to me was a place of warmth, comfort, respect and acceptance. It was also one filled with love, great humor, tremendous faith, and a generous spirit that knew no bounds. The loving “Hi Sweetie” from Peg and endearing “Hello Darlin” from Ken still echoes in my mind today. I remember vividly how their presence in my life was truly an inspiration and haven in an often chaotic teenage world. Now, over 30 years later, I am still blessed with their daughter, Jill, as my closest friend and confidante, and the Koehler’s as my second family. I am so grateful to Peg and Ken for embracing me as one of their own and for their loving influence in my life. I will cherish them both – always.”

This poignant memoir is honest, humorous, and heartwarming. The Koehler´s life-lessons offer encouragement and hope for those of us tremulously treading our own unmarked pathway.

Award-Winning Finalist in Biography/General category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.


WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"Thanks again for sending me Our Legacy of Love. You have written a touching tribute to a man who comes across as an outstanding person with an open, curious mind, loving heart, and positive outlook. The deep love within your marriage emerges in the memories and the writing of the story. I was moved by both your relationship and the depth of your love. The diverse backgrounds between you and Ken m

About the Author

Peggy Koehler devoted her life to her husband of fifty years, her family and her faith. Today, she shares her experiences in her memoir, Our Legacy of Love. She is Vice President of New Life Inspirational Entertainment; she teaches Sunday school; writes a weekly column for a church website, and enjoys her five children and nine grandchildren. Ken Koehler passed away April 2004. He lives on in his weekly column “Kenfetti” which he wrote for a local newspaper; in the numerous love letters he penned to his beloved wife, and in the legacy of love he left behind.