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Howard Kohler Obituary
Winchester - Howard "Howie" L. Kohler Jr., age 68, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 6, 2019 in his home after a remarkable fight with cancer. He was born on April 21, 1951 to the late Howard Kohler Sr. and Marian (Rasmussen) Kohler in Neenah, Wisconsin.
Howie graduated from Winneconne High school and enlisted in the National Guard after finishing his secondary education. He married Nancy Tracy on August 14, 1971 and they were married for 19 years. He resided in Menasha, Wisconsin for many years and more recently Winchester. He was a trained pipefitter and worked in the metal fabrication industry for many years.
Howie had a passion for the natural world, was a sportsman, and enjoyed biking, gardening, and many outdoor activities. He was an avid reader, was intellectually curious, and had interests in politics and social justice. Howie also loved his many friends and family and will be remembered for his compassionate and kind spirit.
Howie is survived by his three children, Jason Kohler, Lori (Eric) Akstulewicz, and Kristy (Matthew) Kelly; five grandchildren, McKenzie, MiKayla, and Madison Akstulewicz, and Franklin and Vivienne Kelly. He is also survived by his mother, Marian Kohler; six brothers and sisters, Lana (Bruce) Gast, Lee (Candace) Kohler, LuAnn (Randy) Bradley, Carl Kohler, Christian (Linda) Kohler, and Ronald, Sr. (Chrissy) Kohler. He is further survived by many other relatives and friends.
Howie was preceded in death by his father, Howard Kohler Sr.; his two brothers, Calvin and Roger Kohler; and sister, Karen (Kohler) Eake.
A memorial event will be held at the Scheig Center and Gardens on Friday, July 12, 2019 from 4:30-7:30pm with Military Honors taking place at 5:30pm with the Neenah/Menasha Veterans Honor Guard. The Scheig Center Gardens is located at 1313 Witzke Blvd. inside Appleton Memorial Park in Appleton, Wisconsin.
The family would like to extend deep gratitude to Dr. Anne Traynor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Carbone Cancer Center for being Howie's strongest ally in his fight against cancer, as well as Ann, Andrea, and Christine with Heartland Hospice. In addition, the family would also like to give a special thank you to LuAnn and Randy Bradley for going above and beyond with their care, love, and support. Howie will be missed by everyone who had the fortune of knowing him.
Westgor Funeral Home
1140 Appleton Rd. Menasha 720-0314
Condolences: www.westgorfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Kohler
Sponsored by Westgor Funeral Home - Menasha.
5 Entries
July 10, 2019
Howie was a neighbor and dear friend. He was steadfast, hardworking, and totally honest. He added a great deal to the human race.
Howie, I guess I never did catch up to you in age, as we used to joke. You always had me by four months.
I trust your spirit resides in peace in the eternal world, my man.
-John Price, Menasha
Kathy Johnson
July 10, 2019
I'm so very sorry for your loss. As a neighbor across the road I still remember when your family moved there. Howie had a very gentle and kind way about him. I too was a classmate and thought our paths would cross at our reunion this summer as well. God bless. Hugs and prayers.
July 10, 2019
To Howie's family. I was a class mate of Howard and also was and still am a Winchester kid at heart. I am so very sorry for your loss. I was looking forward to seeing him at our 50 th class reunion in August. May God be with you during this difficult time. Diana. (Wright) Langenhuizen ,
Nick Leary
July 9, 2019
I worked with Howie for a few years at Val-Fab. Howie was one of the hardest working people I've ever worked with. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Becky Armstrong Ryf
July 9, 2019
Kohler Family: I was a classmate of Howie's as well as grew up in Winchester. He was always a kind Winchester kid and I am so sorry for your loss. Was looking forward to seeing him at our reunion this summer.
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