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John Kohler Obituary
John was born on September 9, 1944, to Maurice and Henrietta Kohler in Erie, Michigan. He married Judith A. (Volmayer) on May 20, 1967, and together they raised two children, Mark and Keith. Sadly, Judith passed away on May 11, 1996. Having an abundance of life and love to share, John would later meet Rosemary "Rosie" Southwell, whom he married on October 5, 2002.
John graduated from Monroe High School in 1962 and received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Michigan in 1967.
John was a registered Architect in Michigan and Ohio and began his 47-year architectural career working for Richards, Bauer and Moorehead in Toledo, OH, and D.H. Dunbar in Monroe, MI, before establishing the architectural firm John D. Kohler Architect, P.C. in 1977, which he operated for 37 years before passing this legacy on to his sons Mark and Keith.
An avid fisherman, John spent his summers on Lake Erie chasing walleye and perch, and enjoying friends and family. He also enjoyed hunting, shooting trap, and tinkering around his home on the lake.
An involved member of the Monroe community, John served on the Fine Arts Council for over 40 years and was heavily involved in the Monroe County Student Design Competition. He was an honorary life member of the Monroe Exchange Club, life member of the Monroe County Rod and Gun Club, and past board member of Mercy Memorial Hospital.
He is survived by his wife, Rosie; sons, Mark (Beth) Kohler and Keith (Tara) Kohler; James Sievert, Daniel Sievert, and Jamie (Michael) Simms; grandchildren, Cameron Kohler, John Kohler, Kendall Kohler, Michael Simms Jr., Katherine Simms, Joseph Simms (Catlyn), Ashley Kunath, and Zack Kunath; and great-grandson, Wesley Simms; sister, Maryanne (Ken) Havekost, and brother, Tom (Kathy) Kohler.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Maurice and Henrietta; and wife Judith.
Due to COVID restrictions and in consideration of the health and safety of others, the family is holding a one-day open viewing on Saturday, March 6th, from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. followed by a private funeral service with family and close friends to be held at Bacarella Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Roselawn.
To honor the life of John D. Kohler, his family plans to hold an outdoor memorial service in the summer at which friends may gather to celebrate his life.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Education Foundation of the Monroe Public Schools.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kohler
Sponsored by Bacarella Funeral Home, Inc..
Ron and Bev Kinsey
March 9, 2021
Deeply saddened at your loss. We have so many fond memories of hanging out with your Mom and Dad and you boys.
William Saul
March 6, 2021
John was friend through many years of being a Architect helping on our community projects. I remember the Little Brown Bear and The Loranger Square Pavilion where we worked together for several years developing designs and getting city and county approvals for these volunteer projects. Now the great legacy extends to his sons Mark and Keith. They did the whole design for the President James Monroe Statue at the Monroe County Courthouse. Great friends for life in supporting our community !
Kathryn
March 4, 2021
My sincere condolences to a great man. He not only was my family's neighbor in the harbor, I had the honor of serving he and Judy ( his beautiful ❤ first wife) at downtown Big Boy. They were a great couple. Super neighbors and John has left this world with so many architectural homes and business buildings. He was a dedicated architect that truly took pride in every one of his design's. God bless the entire family and Rest at peace John.
Sincerely, Kathy Kachar & Family
BRYAN K MOZINGO
March 4, 2021
John will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Rosie, I am so sorry for your loss
Babe Davis
March 3, 2021
My thoughts are with you & your family. May your heart be filled with fond memories and joy you brought into each others lives.
Close your eyes and feel the love I'm sending your way. Babe
Della Day-Stanfield
March 3, 2021
So sorry Keith! I remember the home on the lake mentioned here--I'm pretty sure Eric, Adena, Heather, myself and a few others hung out with you and played some volleyball in the lake-high school summer fun! Please know you are in my thoughts--- Della Day-Stanfield
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