C. Fred Kohler

Charles Frederick Kohler II

1/23/1927 - 10/13/2024

C. Fred Kohler recently departed this life at home. Married to Courtney Goddin of Richmond, VA in 1948, they first moved to Silver Spring, Maryland before settling in Virginia on East Hill, a then remote mountain farm near The Plains. They traveled the world together and owned several farms around Middleburg over the years, always with horses, before recently retiring to be near family.

Fred was born in Richmond, Virginia, the son of John F. Kohler II ("Dado") and Gladys Tyler Kohler. His father enjoyed singing and telling stories and this tradition passed on to Fred, who sang and played the piano and his Martin tenor guitar by ear. His grandfather, John Frederick Kohler ("Big Daddy"), established the respected Kohler Jewelers in Richmond, the "Tiffany of the South". Fred had two brothers, his identical twin Tyler M. Kohler and an older brother John F. Kohler III. Fred and Tyler joined the Army Airforce in 1945, Being identical, it was rumored they often switched off on KP duty.

With a talent and love for horses, the twins were Pink Coats with the Deep Run Hunt Club and even appeared in rodeos. Fred became an accomplished equestrian champion on the Virginia - Maryland steeplechase and horse show circuit. A memorable performance was at Madison Square Garden riding "Hi Ho Silver" in the stadium jumping event, being the first to clear the 4th fence after many others attempted... to the roar of the crowd. He was an avid polo player with the Washington Polo Club and later at Phipps Field, as well as a competitive tennis player at the Middleburg Tennis Club. He proudly served as president of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association.

A member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Middleburg for 50+ years, he served on the vestry, sang in the choir and his stewardship within the church was unfailing. He was a gentleman, always remembered your name, and made many friends throughout life. Over the last 20 years, Fred enjoyed studying Carl Jung's writings and debating philosophy. "Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakes."

Fred is survived by his wife Courtney, his children Rick, Cardin, Kerry and Lakota, his grandchildren Jason, Erich and Andrew and four great grandchildren, Tyler, Joey, Anastasia and Addison. He will be missed by many.

Condolences, remembrances and stories may be shared with the family by sending to:

The Kohlers, 20 Sam Riley Ln, Amissville, VA 20106.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

C. Fred Kohler