Shem Douglas Webler died unexpectedly in his Seattle home June 9, 2013.

He was born June 6, 1977, in Springfield, Mo., son of Harriet Chase and Gerald Webler. Immediately after his graduation from Coeur d’Alene (Idaho) High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his marriage to Jill (Roe) McFall of Troy, Idaho, the couple had daughters Rachel and Ashley. He served as a medical laboratory technician in Korea, at Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu and at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma. During his 15 years of service, he achieved the rank of sergeant and was awarded numerous medals and honors and served in Iraq. After being honorably discharged he was employed at Harborview Medical Center Unit in Seattle. During his career he earned a bachelor of science in health science and was working toward a master’s in chemistry.

He is survived by his mother, Harriet Chase, of Randolph, Vt.; father Gerald Webler and wife Kelly; daughters Rachel and Ashley Webler; and siblings Edward Webler and wife Desiree, Kevin Webler and wife Vanessa, Nephi Webler, Jared Webler, Seth Webler, Aaron Webler and wife Jeanie, Angie Farmer, Samantha Stout and husband Dwayne and Daniel Bird and wife Amanda.

Memorial services took place June 24 in Medical Lake, Wash., at The Washington State Veterans Cemetery.

Donations can be made in his honor to War Dogs Making It Home (www.wardogsmakingithome.org), a program in which dogs are trained as service animals, aiding soldiers who return from battle and experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or traumatic brain injuries.