Shirley F Kohls

1925 - 2013

Shirley F Kohls obituary, 1925-2013, Juneau, AK

BORN

1925

DIED

2013

Shirley Kohls Obituary

Long time Juneau resident and attorney Shirley F. Meuwissen Kohls died peacefully Sunday evening, August 25, after a lengthy battle against cancer, surrounded by family members and friends who were singing "You Are My Sunshine" to her. She was 88.

At her request, no services will be held. Her ashes will be spread at a later date near her home at Tenakee Springs.

Shirley was born July 14, 1925, and raised in Chaska, Minnesota, with six siblings. She started her entrepreneurial career at the age of 11 as a newspaper carrier, and was a person of many talents and interests. In 1945, at the age of 19, she joined the Civil Aeronautics Administration (now the FAA) as a radio/traffic control operator, working for the next 11 years in Alaska in Anchorage and Kodiak before transferring to Juneau in 1947.

In 1956 Shirley left Alaska briefly to enroll in the University of Colorado, where she received a BA in political science in 1959 and then a law degree in June 1961. She returned to Juneau and, after a short period on the staff of the Legislative Council, Shirley became a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice John Dimond, serving from November 1961 to June 1963. In January 1962, Shirley passed the Alaska Bar exam, being the only female to do so that year. Shirley received her 50-year pin as a member of the Alaska Bar Association at the 2012 state convention in Anchorage.

She joined Gladys Stabler and Doug Gregg in June 1963 to form the law firm of Stabler, Gregg and Meuwissen. After she married Frederick F. Kohls (now deceased) in February 1966, the firm's name was changed to Stabler, Gregg and Kohls.

In December 1973 Shirley left the firm to open her own general solo practice, where over the past 40 years she represented three generations of some families. She had begun to ease out of the practice of law to spend time at her home in Tenakee Springs, fishing, playing cards, socializing, and occasionally cleaning halibut for friends. Shirley was an avid poker player and was a two-time champion of the Alaska Bar convention's annual poker tournament.

Shirley thoroughly enjoyed life in Alaska. In her earlier years she was an ardent skier and a member of the Juneau Ski Patrol. For many years she had a cabin, first on Lena Point and later on Spuhn Island (of which she was part owner), from both of which she was able to enjoy years of boating and fishing with family and friends. She served as president of the Juneau Bar Association, the Juneau Concert Association, and was a member of many other legal and civic groups.

In March 2001, Shirley was honored at a reception for her contributions to the practice of law and to the community and state in general. Then Supreme Court Justice Bud Carpeneti said, "I learned a lot from her about how to practice (law), especially with regard to how lawyers could be vigorous advocates for their clients while at the same time maintaining good relations with each other." He described Shirley as "just one of the neatest people anyone would want to know. She embodies all the virtues that come to my mind when people talk of 'the good old days': common sense, hard work, a helping hand to anyone in need, quiet competence, a strong sense of the common good."

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mary Helen "Mae" Meuwissen; Her husband Fred; their son, Kevin, who died in 1983 at the age of 15 from a cancerous brain tumor; and her brothers, Kenneth Meuwissen, Robert Meuwissen, and Thomas Meuwissen.

She is survived by her brother, LaMont Meuwissen of Sun Lake, AZ; sisters, Suzanne Wathen of Pipestone, MN, and Mary Jane (Michael ) Mohlin of Belle Plaine, MN; numerous nieces and nephews in the Midwest; and many close friends in Juneau, Tenakee Springs, and other places in Alaska.

In lieu of flowers, Shirley asked that contributions be made to the Juneau Public Libraries, 292 Marine Way, Juneau, AK 99801, in memory of Kevin Meuwissen Kohls.

In honor of Shirley, her family is putting together a book of her life. Please email your memory or story to: [email protected]

Published by Juneau Empire on Aug. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Kohls

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18 Entries

Shirley - Was just preparing to call to see if you were still practicing, and read read the sad news of your death. I still recall your devastation on the death of your son since we had a young son too then. Thank you for your representation and friendship since the 60s. Although we moved the Seattle area in 2010, Just.
remembering you brings a warm feeling in my heart.

"Norski" and Bob Schroth

October 2, 2013

We loved knowing Shirley in Tenakee. What a lovely Lady she was. We'll miss not seeing her there on the trail.

Jim & Karla Donaghey

September 8, 2013

Shirley was fun and entertaining and will be missed in Tenakee.

Davi and Charles King

September 6, 2013

Shirley was a welcoming presents both in Juneau and Tenakee, she will be missed, Misha & David Plotnick

September 6, 2013

Shirley was always a kick to be around. Best, if you were not confident of your facts, not to try bluffing your way through. She did not suffer fools.

mary lou spartz

September 5, 2013

Alaska has lost a True Favorite, I met you in my travels down the streets of Juneau, or in just passing, you always said Hello with a Smile on your Face :)

Regina Murphy-Jones

September 5, 2013

Shirley added a great deal of spirit, poise and dignity to the Juneau community. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she shared.

Cindy Audet

September 4, 2013

I would like to extend my condolences to the family. Death is never something we get use to. But know during this time you are not alone. Our Creator promises better days ahead. He will give you the strength needed to get through this difficult time.

John

September 3, 2013

I remember the days of you visiting my Gram at 224 Gold Street. You remained a fabulous friend and mentor all through the years. Will miss your beautiful face! Jerry L. Soltani and family

Jerry L. Soltani

September 3, 2013

Shirley was the real deal; a true Alaskan.

Mike Harmon

September 2, 2013

She was one of my regulars at Channel Bowl Cafe - my brother Jake shined her shoes at the Sportsman Barber shop, she treated me to her cabin in Tenakee and fishing. She was a sharp mind and remembered everything.

Last time I saw her was in Anchorage - we had a nice game of cards and chit chatted about everyone.

I will miss her.

Teeny Metcalfe

September 1, 2013

Linda Jatzeck Grimshaw

August 31, 2013

Miss you Shirley

Laurie McNeese

August 30, 2013

I will long remember the many years she sat my siblings and I. She would take us either to her cabins at Lena Loop and Spuhn Island or ours for picnics, walks on the beaches and overnights. She once took me to the Juneau Airport to “help” launch a weather balloon. At age three, I caused her considerable panic, when I climbed out of the car at the Lena Point dump to pet the nice big black dog, which was actually a black bear. She took us fishing, kept a watchful eye on us when we skied and gave us much thoughtful advice about our career and educational choices. She was truly a fine woman, we will miss her.

Steve Stewart

August 30, 2013

Shirley, I will treasure my visits with you. We would be running in opposite directions and stop to talk. Once you sent a bill for several hours services that read - NO CHARGE. A smart, witty, and compassionate woman, a friend. I will never forget you.

Mary Thomas

August 30, 2013

What a wonderful lady!! We were friends for a long, long time and often even agreed on the issues of the day.Ha! She had a warm heart, quick mind and gentle approach to life. She was an inspiring presence around town. Shirley will be missed by a great many people.

Warren Wiley

August 30, 2013

Shirley always had an open office during my visits to Juneau. We could talk longer than we should have about any topic, sometimes disagreeing with smiles on our faces. When I lived in Juneau we had similar conversations on the deck at Augustus Brown Pool. What a feisty gal.

James Clare

August 30, 2013

RIP Shirley. It was a pleasure to know you. Thank you for sharing Tenakee, card games and coffee. I will never forget you.

August 29, 2013

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