Congressman's SL director retires

Congressman Steve King announced the upcoming retirement of long-time District Director David J. Ehler this week.

Ehler, who directs King's office in Storm Lake, has worked for the Congressman since he took office in 2003. Ehler will officially retire on January 2, 2010. During his seven years as District Director, Ehler visited all 32 counties and 286 communities in the Fifth District. Prior to joining Congressman King's staff, Ehler served in various positions with the City of Holstein, including 25 years as City Administrator. Ehler is a member of the Iowa League of Cities Hall of Fame and has spent years advocating for and working towards a four-lane Highway 20 for western Iowa.

"Dave Ehler has been a tremendous asset both to me and to western Iowa," King said. "His love for western Iowa has been evident every day he served as District Director for the past seven years. Dave is a tireless advocate for the people and communities that make the Fifth District a great place to live. A Navy veteran with a long career in public service, Dave has made immeasurable contributions to our country, state and district. I will miss having Dave on our staff, but I am glad to count him and Judy as friends. I wish them the very best in this new season of life."

Ehler served during the Vietnam War in the Gulf of Tonkin off the coast of Vietnam. Ehler and his wife Judy have three children and two grandchildren: their daughter Shawn, her husband Brian and grandson Tanner live in Rome, Georgia; their daughter Sara, her husband Chad and granddaughter BeBe live in Seattle, Washington; and their son Eric is a chef at the Serpentine Restaurant in San Francisco.

The Ehlers have also served as foster parents for the past 15 years and have fostered 27 children in their home in Holstein. The Ehlers received the 2007 Angels in Adoption award for the Fifth District.

A special appreciation reception for the Ehlers will be held Tuesday, December 22 from 1:30 p.m. -- 3:30 p.m. at the Lohff-Schumann Memorial Community Center in Holstein. The public is invited to drop by and wish the Ehlers the best on their future plans. Please RSVP to rachel.simonin@mail.house.gov.

Ehler can also be reached at dave.ehler@mail.house.gov for those who would like to send him a note via e-mail.