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BORN
1961
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Kohnke Obituary
With grief beyond words, and love beyond forever, we mourn the passing of Rich Kohnke on February 27, 2021. Hundreds of people have felt this loss with tears; his family and close friends continue to grieve hard, because he loved us all hard, with the light of one thousand suns.
Rich Kohnke is survived by his wife and soul mate Denise (Stimac) Kohnke; beloved children Samuel Kohnke (Brittany Bozmoski-Kohnke), Sullivan Kohnke (Lindsay Kazan) and Madison Kohnke (Cody Murrenus); father Delmar Kohnke, brother Dave Kohnke (Bonnie) and sister Kris Johnson (Brian); sister-in-law Darlene Stimac (Matt O’Donnell); nieces and nephews Katie Hatch (Chris), Keri Fry (Lee), Dustin Joseph (Stefanie Spilde), Morgan Ahmad (Mitchell) and Autumn Johnson. He is further survived by many cherished friends and colleagues. Rich was preceded in passing by his mother, Lois (Duewell) Kohnke and mother-in-law, Alice Stimac. His loyal dogs, Scrappy and Walter miss him dearly.
In 2019 Rich was inducted into the Wisconsin Advertising Hall of Fame as an art director/creative director. He didn’t just set the highest bar for personal effort in his work and all that he did, he inspired all around him to find their own personal bests. Whether it be the design and construction of elaborate outdoor decks or running softball bases with controlled abandon, he did it with passion and perfection.
Rich was a “humble egoist” and his sheer will moved heaven and earth. He would never let you down. He would always make you smile. He would turn heads. He was everyone’s friend. He was a man of moderation, except for perfection. There was never anyone like him, and never will be.
Rich, in his final years, and particularly the last few months, was tortured by Lewy Body Dementia. His brain was donated to science so that our loss may serve a higher purpose.
A grand celebration of his life will be held at a later date, when it is safe for his family, friends and colleagues to gather and embrace. He would expect nothing less.
In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to BrainSupportNetwork.org in Rich’s name.
In lieu of mourning, we ask that you honor him by living fearlessly without compromise.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Kohnke
14 Entries
Amy Boettcher Singer
March 17, 2021
I was so very sorry and shocked to hear about Rich's passing. I went to High School with him. He was always the coolest cat. I was in sports and a total tomboy, most kids never gave me the time of day if you were not in the in crowd but not him. He always had a kind word or joke and always smiling. He was friends and played football with my cousins as well. When I went to one class reunion in 2009 we were teasing about looking like Val Kilmer. Having a mother that had Alzheimer's and dementia I know what it does to a person. I am so very sorry that this affected him and took his life so young. Sympathies to all who knew him.
Peter Loomans
March 13, 2021
Rich and I worked together at his first design job after graduating MIAD.
He challenged and inspired me and changed the path of my career.
Although we lost touch with each other as our lives evolved, I think of him often.
My love to Denise and his family.
Cheri (Clawson) Burger
March 12, 2021
Rich was a classmate in high school.
Rich was great fun in high school. We both enjoyed photography and took photos for our year book. Working in the dark room with him was a hoot. (For the youngsters...once upon a time we used actual film in cameras. We had to develop the film then make prints using an Enlarger and trays of various chemicals. I can still smell that developer!). We sat in the media center with our group laughing and having fun.
I haven't seen him in decades, but those memories stick with me. So so sad to hear of his passing and especially of the hideous disease that took him.
Susan Estelle Kwas
March 11, 2021
Driving down St. Paul today, I saw the billboard out of the corner of my eye. I pulled over, was that Rich or was that my imagination? Heart break. Rich and Denise were one of my earliest supporters. I will forever be grateful. But he lives forever in my mind´s eye as the beautiful young art student, cooler than cool, zooming around in his Corvair.
Paulie
March 9, 2021
I enjoyed playing softball with Rich back in the day on Wednesday nights at Dyer Field. Rest in Peace my friend.
Cari Polan
March 7, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I´ve enjoyed waiting on Richard at Starbucks for many years. He was always so friendly and kind. He will be greatly missed.
Mike Skenandore
March 7, 2021
Please accept mine and my families deepest sympathy. Rich and our friends in the neighborhood go way back and know we are all saddened by his passing. We hold great and fun memories from those days, that we forever cherished with him and about him.
Please know when friends of ours leave us too soon it creates a void in our heart.
God bless Rich and your family and our friends who knew him.
Cheryl Hicks
March 6, 2021
What a beautiful obituary. Rich was the husband of my dear friend, Denise, with whom I worked in the late 70's while we were still in college. After I moved to the DC area, I was honored to return to Milwaukee to attend their wedding and to see them on an off over the years. When we got together, it was always as if there had not been so many years between our visits. To me, Rich was a very gracious and kind man, while at the same time exuding confidence and passion. The last time I saw him and Denise was in 2017, at which time it told them that they never seemed to change - they looked the same and more importantly, they were the same people I met so many years ago. My husband, Ron and I offer Denise and the family our deepest condolences and hope that the outpouring of love they are receiving at this most difficult time will help them heal.
Dave Merk
March 5, 2021
I am shocked and saddened to hear. I got to know Rich in the early 90s through his agency and his brother Dave. Brilliant, cocky, cool...he was the bomb. And always graciously gave me time. I know he was a devoted family man as well. So very sorry to hear of his passing. Blessings to all of his family.
Thomas Sear
March 5, 2021
Rich coached my son Parker for five years while playing for the Wisconsin Rockhounds baseball club team. Rich was a good coach and friend, and most importantly, a terrific family man. Our entire family considered Rich a great guy. Best wishes to his entire family, as they morn his passing.
Scott Kohnke
March 5, 2021
So very sad to hear my cousin Rich passed away. I haven't seen Rich since we were teenagers, very sad to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to those closes to Rich.
Glenn Olson
March 5, 2021
Richie was a great friend
Janine Sijan Rozina
March 5, 2021
I am so sorry for this enormous loss. And yet I know what a blessing it is to be part of a life that was a brilliant light that guided, inspired, and illuminated all around him. I do not believe I have ever read a more powerful tribute to a person´s life. "Living fearlessly to honor him" indeed feels like a message that will bring him joy. Love and prayers to you all
Lisa
March 4, 2021
I don't know your family, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautiful tribute to your loved one. He sounds like a fantastic human being. I especially loved your request to honor him by living fearlessly without compromise. What a beautiful opportunity for all. Thank you and my condolences to all of you.
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