Kenneth James Kohlmyer

WOOSTER - Kenneth James Kohlmyer passed away early Monday morning, Memorial Day 2016, on his 70 th birthday. He was regarded as a family man of the highest caliber by those who knew him best. Ken was a wonderful husband, a father of three, grandfather of five, brother, as well as a trusted friend to an adoring, large group of deeply saddened people.
A native of Lorain, Ohio, and a resident of Wooster, Ohio, for 39 years, Ken as he was called by most was an accomplished man. He was a celebrated athlete in his home town of Lorain where he is a member of the sports hall of fame, lettering 11 times at Lorain High in football, basketball, baseball, track and golf. It was the latter though that was his passion. ""Kenny,"" as he was then known to Lorainites, won a full scholarship for golf to the University of Oklahoma where he attended one year before transferring via appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.
At the academy Ken became a captain of the golf team and its most valuable player. He went to the NCAA golf tournament three times in a row, every year he was eligible as freshmen cadets could not then participate, years 1967-1969. Indeed, the tales he could tell about besting by now household name type PGA players seemed fanciful, until you saw him out on the course, that is.
He married Kathy Worden of Lorain shortly after graduation from the academy. Ken then served on active duty in the United States Air Force. Ken would go on to be stationed in Okinawa, Japan, as a weapons controller during the Vietnam conflict. He was subsequently stationed domestically in Key West, Florida, where both his sons were born, and Wichita, Kansas, where his daughter was born. Ken obtained a master's degree in urban planning from Wichita State University. He retired from the Air Force after 7 years, 7 months and 27 days with the rank of captain in 1976.
Post service, the Kohlmyers moved back home to their beloved Ohio. They decided to raise their children in Wooster, and Ken had a long professional career in financial planning and insurance for the non-profit sector. His work constantly took him all over the state of Ohio where he made many friends and professionally assisted many people in understanding life planning.
He loved his wife of 46 years very much, he loved his family, and he loved his golf. Maybe in that order. He always was quick with a smile or a kind word, could always see the bright side of things, was a very outgoing fellow, and will be truly missed.
He is survived by his wife Kathy, his children K.J. (Angela), Dave (Joelle), and Bliss (Charles), his grandchildren Roxanne, Genevieve, Charlie, Maisie and Daisy, and his older brother Pete (Sandy).
Instead of a funeral service the family is planning a celebration of Ken's life sometime in July, which they will announce.
In lieu of flowers, the Kohlmyers would ask mourners to contribute in his name to the Make a Wish Foundation of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, 2545 Farmers St, Suite 300, Columbus, Ohio, 43235.
The family thanks LifeCare Hospice of Wooster, which provided much comfort.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebnradhamsleek.com.