Francis Walter "Frank" Kohler

Francis "Frank" Walter Kohler passed away on January 29, 2025 at Unity Point Iowa Methodist Hospital unexpectedly. Frank was born on February 9, 1955 in Saint Paul, Minnesota to Walter and Mary Ann Kohler. He grew up in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
Growing up, Frank loved to fish, golf, and go snowmobiling and he had a paper route as well as working at Kohler Mix. In 1973, when he graduated high school Frank enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was able to travel to Germany, France, Vienna, and Switzerland. After his Honorable discharge in 1977, Frank enrolled in Lakewood Community College where he met his wife, Debra. They were married in October of 1978. Frank transferred to St. Cloud State and graduated with a degree in Psychology. He then went on to earn his master's and doctorate at Kansas University in elementary and special education. Frank stayed a fan of the Kansas Jayhawks for the rest of his life. His daughter Jessica was born in Lawrence, Kansas in December of 1983. Frank then moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1986 where he completed autism and elementary education research. A second daughter, Aimee was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in August of 1989. The family then moved to Cedar Falls Iowa in 1999 where Frank took a job as a Professor at the University of Northern Iowa.
Frank enjoyed golfing, spending time with his family and grandkids, (which included plenty of joking around and playful teasing.) He loved playing piano, watching sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and The Little League World Series. Frank liked learning about history and other cultures and enjoyed going to the casino, reading, being active, and woodworking.
Frank is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary Ann Kohler and a daughter, Jessica Lorenz. Frank is survived by his wife, Debra Kohler; daughter, Aimee (Jaron) Balvanz; sisters, Karen Garrod, Doris Kohler, and Sue (Dan) Smith; brother, Gary (Mary) Kohler; five grandchildren, MacKenzie, Lorenz, Carter Lorenz, Greyson Lorenz, Inara Balvanz, and Leon Balvanz.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM, Thursday, February 6, 2025, visitation will be one hour prior to services, at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church 510 E 1st St, Ankeny, IA 50021. Burial with Military Honors to follow at the Oralabor Cemetery in Ankeny, Iowa.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family. Money will be spent on a charitable contribution in Frank's honor.