Coler, Gregory Lawrence passed away on March 3, 2010, at his home in West Palm Beach, Florida, as the result of a stroke at the age of 65. Greg was a tenacious advocate for children and worked to reform government programs to better serve those in need. He began his career in 1968 as Executive Director of The City, Inc., a drop-in center for disadvantaged teenagers in Minneapolis, MN. In the 1970's he served as the Executive Director for the National Council of Organizations for Children and Youth in Washington, DC, and later as Associate Commissioner for the New York State Department of Social Services in Albany, NY. In 1979 Greg was appointed Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services by Governor James R. Thompson, and received the 1985 Commissioner's Award from the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect for reforming the state's manual child abuse tracking system. He later served as Director of the Illinois Department of Public Aid. In 1987 Florida Governor Bob Martinez appointed Greg as Secretary of the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. During his years of state government service Greg championed many innovative social programs such as One Church, One Child which was recognized by the Harvard Kennedy School of Government's Innovations in American Government Award. Greg continued to be involved in charitable organizations while working in the private sector as a lobbyist and consultant. He served as an Honorary Founding Director of the Ounce of Prevention Fund and on the Board of Directors of SOS Children's Villages Illinois, an organization providing a viable alternative to traditional foster care. Greg was born and raised in St. Paul, MN. He attended Cretin High School and graduated from the University of Minnesota. Greg loved to travel and always enjoyed sharing a good meal and raising his glass in celebration of the vine with family and friends. He will be deeply missed and is survived by three daughters - Kate Coler, Kristen Coler Challacombe and Caroline Coler, their mother Holly Coler, his son-in-law Jared Challacombe, his sister Susan Coler, BVM (Sisters of Charity, BVM), brother and sister-in-law Paul and Sara Coler, their children Sam and Emily Coler, and a multitude of loyal and loving friends. A memorial service will be held on April 10, 2010, at the Resurrection Cemetery Chapel in St. Paul, MN. For more information, please contact a family member. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the charity of your choice. 
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
J.J. Moffat III
March 2, 2023
As the years have passed, I still recall the many great times we had. I still here, and hope to be for many more. When I see our old friends, we always share memories of our times together. You brought Life, Light, and Happiness to many, you will not be forgotten.I am offering a toast to you, with my favorite glass of wine, "Here's to you my friend, until our trails cross again." J.J.
J.J. Moffat III
March 2, 2021
Hello in Heaven my good friend, eleven years have passed sense you left us, but you are you still missed everyday. I sit back and remember the many wonderful and fun times we enjoyed together. I'll have a toast to you this evening with a fine bottle of wine. Here's to you my friend, until our trails cross again.
J.J. Moffat III
Beverly Knight
June 25, 2020
Greggie, we miss you so much, still, to this day, your Birthday 6/25/20. What a fine, earthly 75 year old you would be. Our Best Man always. You were a true friend. Bill still reminisces of those days and what fun we had as Happy Campers. Oh, so very many Greggie-stories! And always with your most passionate programs at heart, helping others and the children. You accomplished so much in 65 years and you were taken too soon. Until we see you again when you welcome us into your Heavenly Fun Club. We love you.
Bev & Bill Knight
J. J. Moffat
March 2, 2019
Hello my old friend, and Happy Birthday in Heaven. Karen & I visited your grave site in Minneapolis in Summer of 2010, no head stone yet, but your daughter sent us a photo of your stately head stone, when it was installed, very nice, and a beautiful tribute to a man who did so much for so many.
Here's to you my friend, until our trails cross again. Sine Die, J.J.
rosemary bellinger
May 5, 2010
To Greg's daughters of whom he so dearly spoke of...
As his Interior Designer, I had the opportunity of working with Greg at Trump Towers, Palm Beach. So hard to believe he is gone, as it was just about a year that we finished his project.
Extremely sophisticated and with impeccable taste, Greg had a vast knowledge of fine art and keen sense of space. It was an enjoyable experience to work with Greg, and so rewarding that he loved the ambience I created in his condo.
Even though I didn't know Greg for long, I'm very saddened by the tragic news. Feeling a deep sense of loss, I will miss him.
I send my heartfelt sorrow and condolences to " his girls ", whom he dearly cherished.
Joyce Roberson
March 19, 2010
Dear Susan and Family,
I don't know if you remember me, but I am a friend of Diane Merrifield, and Pam Lawrence. I am so sorry for your loss of Greg, and I will miss him. He taught Pam and I about really good wine, and how to have fun. A good guy!
Pamela Dueck
March 18, 2010
Greg was so inspiring and fun to be around. I first met Greg through a friend in 1969, and we spent many wonderful times cruising, laughing and eating on Lake Minnetonka. I joined Greg at Greater Mpls. Day Care, and later worked for him in Washington D.C.
I recently connected with Greg in Minneapolis at Thanksgiving. We had a fabulous dinner at Lurcat, as we caught up on our lives, and toasted to more great times in the future.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Greg will be truly missed. He spent his life making a better life for others.
carol riley
March 16, 2010
Thanks Greg . . . for all of the wonderful dinners and boat rides on Lake Minnetonka back in the 1970's. Those were special times and your generous nature was obvious. Congratulations on a life well lived. My sympathy to your friends and family who will remember you, miss you, and love you forever.
Dan Manfredo
March 13, 2010
Caroline,
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Judi Blankenbaker
March 13, 2010
I am so saddened to lear of Greg's passing. He was in Arizona over Christmas and we had a nice long night to remember old times. And I just got a note from him a couple weeks ago saying he was planning his next trip out to see his girls and now us! Greg & I started at the City, Inc., and I went with him to Greater Minneapolis Day Care - he left his mark in Minnesota and I think his mark was strong all over the US. It is a huge loss and I am so sorry I won't see him again. Much love to the family.
DALE ANDERSON
March 11, 2010
Greg was one of those gems, the kind you run into only on rare occasions during your life. It's no surprise to anyone that "FUN CLUB INTERNATIONAL" inducted him into their Hall of Fame. He was the life of everyone's party from the day he was born.
Vivian Pyle
March 10, 2010
Greg Coler was a very special man and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work with him and see how much he cared about those in need. He was a friend and although I had not seen him for a while, it is sad to know that he isn't just a phone call away.
Rest in peace, my friend. You will not be forgotten.
March 8, 2010
I am very sorry for the loss of Mr Coler.
God is near to those broken at heart Ps. 34:18
Sharing your loss...D. McKnight
Ted Leverenz
March 8, 2010
I'm so sorry that the world has lost such an inspiring person who I so admired. My prayers are with the family and loved ones.
I marveled at his many accomplishments.
Ted E. Leverenz
Illinois General Assembly retired
David Popovich
March 8, 2010
You will be missed by all of us that shared with you the challenges of working for state government. I appreciate your guidance, advice and "words of wisdom" over the years.
Augie Lopez
March 8, 2010
I first met Greg when he became Director of Children and Family services and I was asked to come and work for him. When he became Director of Illinois Department of Public Aid I was again asked to follow him to that depaartment.Finally when he moved to Florida the call came once again. He had me working with Gerry Slavens in the Inspector's office and in the time that we worked there he demanded nothing but the best. His leadership in all those departments was significant in improving the lives of the people that we served. Greg you'll be missed but not forgotten. Rest "Boss" you're now in good hands.
Megan O'Brien
March 8, 2010
Dear Caroline (and family) - I'm so very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My heart aches for you and please know your family has been in my prayers.
J.J. & Karen Moffat
March 8, 2010
Greg,
During the past 23 years we have had the privlidge of enjoying many great times together, and we observed you bringing light into many lives.
One year ago today, Karen & I enjoyed a visit with you and spent the night at your beautiful home in Tallahesse, after enjoying a great dinner and some fine wine.
On the corporate jet, in a limousine on highway 1 outside of Carmel, CA. with our heads out the sunroof drinking a bottle of "Dom" or just enjoying dinner at Bauer's restaurant in Springfield, IL., a good time was had by all.
During your 65 years you accomplished a great deal and you will be missed by all who had the opportunity to get to know you.
A toast, "To you my friend, until our trails cross again."
sine die,
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