Kohler, Terry J.

Terry J. Kohler, 82, of Sheboygan, passed away Tuesday afternoon, September 20, 2016 at his residence.

Born May 14, 1934, in Sheboygan, Kohler was the only son of the late former Governor Walter J. Kohler, Jr. and Marie Celeste McVoy Kohler. In 1952, Terry graduated high school from the Admiral Farragut Academy. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959 where he earned his pilot's wings and flew T-33 fighter jets and also B-47 bombers with the Strategic Air Command, including missions over Russia. Kohler achieved the rank of Captain.

In 1962, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, majoring in industrial management. A year later, he earned an MBA in the same field from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

On January 2, 1981, Kohler was united in marriage to Mary Stewart Simpson at St. Boniface Church in Mequon, WI. Together, they were active members of Grace Episcopal Church in Sheboygan.

Kohler started working in the family business, The Vollrath Company, in 1963. In 1976, he became the seventh President of the company. He became Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in 1982, and under his leadership the company expanded dramatically. In July 1984, Kohler purchased North Sails, a leading global manufacturer of racing and cruising sails, from its founder, Lowell North. In January 1989, North Sails and The Vollrath Company became separate corporations under Windway Capital Corp., a holding company. Kohler was President and Chairman of the Board of Windway Capital Corp., Chairman of The Vollrath Company, and past Chairman of North Technology Group.

Kohler loved the outdoors and was a sports enthusiast, racing sports cars in the mid 1960s, and spending six years on the National Ski Patrol. Kohler was a life member and supporter of Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, the National Rifle Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, and the International Crane Foundation. Kohler and his wife Mary were instrumental in the ultra-light led Whooping Crane Recovery Project between Wisconsin and Florida. In 2009, they were awarded the Charles Lindbergh Award, which is given annually to individuals whose work over many years has made significant contributions toward Lindbergh's concept of balancing technology and nature.

Following his service in the U.S. Air Force, Kohler continued his love of flying by owning and piloting many types of aircraft, including helicopters. He was also a founding member of the Aviation Heritage Center of Wisconsin. Kohler and his wife Mary have been advocates for strong families and started several organizations including Great Marriages for Sheboygan County.

Kohler was passionate about conservative politics, and was Wisconsin's GOP candidate for Governor in 1982, and a GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1980. He and Mary helped craft the "Contract with America" with Newt Gingrich and other Congressional Republicans.

Kohler was a man known to many—sailors, aviators, entrepreneurs, leaders of industry, politics and economics. Traveling in these circles of influence he was able to recognize and follow God's plan for him. "My purpose is to share my wealth by taking an economic role in helping others less fortunate or in need," Kohler once said.

Kohler is survived by his wife of 35 years, Mary Stewart Kohler; his children, Leslie Kohler, Michelle Kohler, Danielle (Bob Buckley) Kohler, Charlie (Anne) Ferrell, Doug (Mindy) Ferrell, Chris (Isolde) Ferrell and Joseph (Kari) Simpson; 13 grandchildren, Hilary (Nathan Imfeld) Hawley, Winter Kohler, Torri (Charlie Bowe) Hawley, Kashon Kohler, Lilly Kohler, David Kohler, Laura (Grant) Riedesel, Cack (Doug) Wilhelm, Jack Ferrell, Peter Ferrell, Alan Ferrell, Mary Ferrell, and Grace Ferrell; four great grandchildren, Walter Jacob Kohler Imfeld, Freddy Riedesel, William Riedesel and Tobias Ferrell; cousins, other relatives, and many friends around the world. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Charlotte Nicolette "Niki" Kohler.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Grace Episcopal Church, 7th & Ontario Avenue. The Rev. Fr. Karl C. Schaffenburg, Rector, will officiate. Family and friends are invited to greet the family at Grace Episcopal Church on Monday, September 26, 2016 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. For those unable to attend, the Mass will be lived streamed starting at 11:00 a.m. at http://www.gracesheboygan.com/index.php/streaming

A memorial fund has been established in his name for the Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan "SEAS" and Nashotah House Theological Seminary.

The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Terry's arrangements.

"I try to live my life faithfully, quietly doing the job the Lord assigned me. I am not worried or afraid of dying because I am just an instrument. I will be here until my work for HIM is finished." - Terry

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sheboygan Press from Sep. 23 to Sep. 25, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Terry Kohler

Sponsored by Olson Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Sheboygan.

66 Entries

Mark Gungor

September 16, 2024

My life was dramatically impacted by Terry Kohler. Our work together impacted millions of families around the world and continues to this day. There are families that are together today because of his efforts. There are countless children that were born into this world because of Terry's work to keep families together.

I still have vivid dreams where we are flying together or discussing our joint efforts. He is greatly missed. I look forward to seeing him again as we celebrate the grace of God for eternity.

Kathy and Rick Rothschild

September 16, 2022

On the anniversary of Terry´s passing, I am honored to remember this wonderful gentleman who was a loving husband, Father and Grandfather, but also a Patriot and dear friend to so many. Thanks for the memories! From Kathy and Rick Rothschild, Williamsburg, Va.

Mark Gungor

September 16, 2020

I had a dream the other day where Terry was flying me around in his helicopter. He had such a great smile on his face and we were having the best time. The dream was so realistic. When I woke up I was disappointed to realize I had been dreaming. He was a great friend to me. He is sorely missed...

Kathy Rothschild

November 1, 2016

Just learned today of Terry 's passing. It was my honor and pleasure to know Terry and Mary through our dear mutual friend Paul Weyrich. Terry was a true patriot and enthusiastic about his love of family and country and, of course sailing. He was a fun-loving and faithful friend to me and so many. My sympathy to his Fair Lady, Mary, and his entire family. Fair winds and smooth seas, to you Terry.

Albert Wiley

October 25, 2016

We are very sorry to hear about Mr Kohler. He would have been a great governor of the state of Wisconsin if he had been elected in 1982. My wife and I were very happy to work for his 1982,campaign --he remember this and few years later ,he honored us by supporting my campaigns for congress and governor and was kind to introduce me to leaders such as Mr Gingrich .He was a very intelligent , kind and optimistic man who could discuss anything from politics and military to engineering with great authority and insight. The people of Wisconsin and the USA have lost a great friend ,humanitarian , veteran and citizen . We send our sincere condolences to His family. Albert Wiley, BNE, MD PhD USN retProf. Emeritus, Univ of Wisconsin-

Diane Brierley

October 11, 2016

Mr. Kohler (although he always told me to call him Terry) will always hold a very special place in my life. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of his legacy through LYWA. The memories of the times with him are definitely very cherished. I am where I am today and doing what I have been doing for over 12 years because of his investment and encouragement. A great man. A great legacy.

Elizabeth Clark Safi

October 5, 2016

Mary, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I came to love both you and Terry during the years that I was a part of your family. I will never forget the wonderful adventures that we shared. My prayers go out to you and your family during this sad time.

Elizabeth (Liz) Clark Safi

Arlene Lahtinen

October 3, 2016

Prayers for the family of Mr. Kohler. I did not know you, but I want to thank you for noticing, encouraging & supporting Mark Gungor! What a wonderful person, a jewel, & you must have seen the potential there! I love that Mark Gungor helps people through laughter! We are all blessed for your efforts in supporting
Mr. Gungor. Thank You Mr. Kohler! RIP

Robert Palm

October 1, 2016

Growing up I was fortunate to meet Mr. Kohler through a friend and sail back to Sheboygan on the AGAPE. I got to know Leslie a bit and worked on the Gubenatorial campaign. Sympathy to the family.

September 28, 2016

Mary,
We feel honored to have met both of you during our visits to Sheboygan and to Grace Church. Doug & I want to thank you for all you have done to support JD during his ministry at Grace Church, and all of your most graciousness to us also. I know your friendship means a lot to JD & Sarah. Our prayers go out to you at this very difficult time of Terry's passing into eternal life. I'm sure Nicki was there to meet him.
Norma & Doug McQueen
Peoria, IL

Steve Grube

September 27, 2016

As employee who had the honor of being able to socialize with Terry through the National Ski Patrol and other functions, he called me his friend as much as I was able to call him mine. I had the utmost respect for Terry and learned a lot from him to form much of my work ethics . What I remember most is when he asked you a question you better have the right answer because he already knew what it should be.

Richard Uttech

September 27, 2016

When I retired from Vollrath in December of 2015, Terry made a special trip just to see me and thank me for my years of service. We spent about one half hour talking about old times and what we say in the future for Vollrath. This really made an impression on me. He was a great man to work for, always willing to stop and tackle any problem we had. He will be missed by many. My condolences to his family.

Geoff Rodgers

September 27, 2016

I had the privilege of meeting Terry on a couple different occasions at LYW board meetings. I appreciated his encouragement, generosity and his incredible support of Mark Gungor. Hope has been put back into millions of marriages across the world and Terry is a big reason why. RIP.

Nancy Gruse

September 26, 2016

So many lives have been changed through his generosity. He truly has left a legacy for the community. As an employee of Laugh Your Way, we wouldn't be here without his belief in Mark Gungor. Many prayers for the family as they grieve his loss.

Karl Komatsu

September 26, 2016

Mary and the Kohler family: If there was ever the equivalent of a "bull in the china closet", Terry was the "Bear" in the drift boat. We met and served overlapping terms as directors on the Trout and Salmon foundation. Being an architect, Terry would always remind me of the distinction within the family businesses and that "...he was not in the toilet." Terry and you, Mary, always treated me as a friend seeing each other only once a year in the usual legendary fishing waters around the country. I and others supported his motion to hold a T&S Foundation meeting in New Zealand that coincided with the Americas Cup trials but it was not to be. His direct enthusiasm and bravado will be missed.

Jeff Farrenkopf

September 26, 2016

I did not know Terry, but through Terry and Mark Gungor's Laugh Your Way To A Better Marriage" my life has been blessed and those around me who I have shared the material with. Thank you for being Mark's faithful friend and supporter. See you on the other side.

Robert E. Killick

September 25, 2016

Mary Kohler and family. Two weeks ago I was down to Sheboygan and I stopped in the Windway office to visit with Terry as I do once a year. In waiting for Terry I had a very nice visit with Mary Kohler. When Terry arrived I had very good visit with him. I worked for Windway as a pilot and other jobs but the most fun was co-pilot with Terry seen a lot of places in the USA & Canada and met some very nice people. We now live in Eagle River, WI. since I retired 2001. My home town is Plymouth, WI. Terry was very good man to me and family. Keep The Blue Side Up , Robert E.Killick

TK: The God Father of the T. swan recovery program

Randy Jurewicz

September 25, 2016

Ruth LePoidevin

September 25, 2016

I met man on a flight from Denver and he spoke of his admiration for Mr Kohler. My sincere condolences to yoyr family. R. LePoidevin

Larry Bilotta

September 25, 2016

I have always seen Terry as a model of how i'd want to live my life. It was Terry who put Mark Gungor and I together and made the Flag Page possible as the tool that has brought thousand of couples closer and kept more families together. Terry's vision made that all possible and it's only one area of life he has impacted. Because of Terry Kohler, more people have jobs, more innovations have been born, more cranes fly in the sky, more boats sail and more sailors are on those boats. He was a man of causes and his drive, his way with people, his creativity all put a fire in people that brought the best out in them. His memory will always cause me to focus on creating the best in this lifetime.

David Prentis

September 24, 2016

Our marriage and children have been greatly blessed through Mark Gungor's ministry, not knowing until now that Terry was such a backbone for Mark's fruitfulness. May God bless the Kohler family with divine health and prosperity...

Angelia Neumann

September 24, 2016

As a Sheboygan County resident, I understand and respect the generosity and Christian love Mr. Kohler bestowed on our community. May your family experience peace and comfort from God and continue on with your great legacy.

Tania Hurt

September 24, 2016

May the Kohler family find peace during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy. The Hurt Family, Tania, Kevin, Kevin Jr and Kyle

Tania Hurt

September 24, 2016

May the Kohler family find peace at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, The Hurt Family, Tania, Kevin, Kevin Jr and Kyle

Bill Leslie

September 24, 2016

My wife, Judy, and I are very sorry to hear of Terry's passing. Terry was a thoughtful and generous man who was an important part of the Pine Lake summer community here in northern Wisconsin. He will be sorely missed. All our best to Mary, Leslie and the Kohler/Stewart family.

Rob Moore

September 24, 2016

Our special prayers and appreciation go out to Terry and family, from everyone at Laugh Your Way America. Terry has given us the opportunity to share the message of Mark and Debbie Gungor with the world, one that will continue through many lifetimes. Thank you for sharing your "faith" in marriages.

Wally & Judy Gartman

September 24, 2016

I had the privilege to work for and with Terry for 45+ years, and it was not only work related but we had a great friendship as well. A little story to illustrate his compassion of the working class and the city of Sheboygan. He called me in his office and said he would like me to manage Enzo Pac Co. I said to him they make pudding, jello and cocoa. what did you buy that for. Here was his typical answer, "They went bankrupt and I do not want to loose 100+ jobs in Sheboygan." He was such a person I no longer pray for him I pray to him ! Condolences to the entire family he will be sadly missed.

Chris C

September 24, 2016

Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences to your family. May the God of all comfort strengthen you to cope and endure this difficult time.

September 23, 2016

May the Lord bless, keep, and comfort all Mr. Kohler's family and friends. Rest assured his impact has been great and ever- multiplying.

Patricia Pozon Aguayo

September 23, 2016

I have benefited from the work of Mark Gungor, and am aware the great blessing that mentors and guides are in this life. God bless the family of Terry J. Kohler. May he be remembered for his humility and generosity. May we beneficiaries of Mark Gungor's work be blessings to our spouses, and to others.

Darryn Malpuss

September 23, 2016

While I too only know of Terry via mark Gungor, his work with mark changed the direction of my own marriage & we celebrated our 29 wedding anniversary a couple of weeks ago.
People like Terry & mark will always be remembered & highly spoken & thought of .

Robellie Gerk

September 23, 2016

"Kohler was a man known to manysailors, aviators, entrepreneurs, leaders of industry, politics and economics."

Terry was known to me. When I graduated high school in 1966, my father, Jerry Gerk, got me a job at the Vollrath Company as an IBM keypunch operator. Gee, does anyone even remember what those machines were? I knew Terry as a fun guy. My memories of him are the "power" lunches we all used to have going down to Ma Grif's tavern (now since long gone) across the railroad tracks and having martinis. This activity occurred in a milieu where it was acceptable back then. My dad retired from there as Superintendent of Grounds & Buildings after 42 years. He and Terry were good friends. Terry "sailed" up to heaven and he and my dad, (R.I.P. 2008) are now having martinis up there. To the Kohler family: He was a good man and a Great American. You have my regards & sympathy.

Joy and Travis Groblebe

September 23, 2016

I had the privilege to get to know Terry Kohler through my work with Laugh Your Way. For three plus years, I got to see Terry once every month or so when we'd have a board meeting at his home. He always had a smile and even when he was mad about something, there was a twinkle in his eye. His generosity (and that of his wife Mary) knows no bounds. His care for others was something everyone could learn from. Plus, anyone who breaks out the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc for lunch on a Tuesday is tops in my book. Thank you Terry for everything - the world is an absolutely better place because you were a part of it. Much love to your Mary and family.

Gene McCarthy

September 23, 2016

Mary,
As you know Terry spent a great deal of his time making the sport of sailing grow. I and all others will miss him greatly.

Gene McCarthy

Elisabeth DuBois

September 23, 2016

My thoughts and prayers to Terry's family.

Beth

September 23, 2016

While I only know of Terry through Mark Gungor and his support I can honestly say he had changed many lives for the better including mine. God bless you for what you have done, and your family in this hard time. Looking forward to meeting you on the flip side...when there will be one epic family reunion with Jesus!

Ruth G Johnson

September 23, 2016

I enjoyed being Terry's campaign manager for Dane County when he ran for governor. One time when I had a meeting in DC, he flew me to DC in his jet from the Waukesha airport,. He was a great guy and we will miss him as a special person.

Ruth G Johnson

September 23, 2016

Terry was a great guy and I really liked him a lot. I enjoyed being his campaign manager in Dane County when he ran for governor. One time when I had a meeting in DC, he flew me to DC in his jet from the Waukesha Airport. Fellow Republican activist! We will miss him.

Phillip Gungor

September 23, 2016

My condolences for your loss. Terry was a wonderful man who left a lasting impact in this world. My family and I could never thank him enough for all he has done. I pray for God's grace and comfort to be with you.

Korin

September 22, 2016

Please accept my condolences on Terry's passing. I did not know him but I heard about this through Mark Gungor. I was fortunate enough to attend one of the Laugh Your Way seminars in Canada. I'm forever grateful for how that changed my perspective on men and women and my marriage. I have Terry to thank for making that possible. May you find joy in your memories of him and I pray for You find comfort in the Lord as you grieve. May God Bless you all.

Michael Chon

September 22, 2016

Mahalo nui!!!!

Phyllis F

September 22, 2016

I appreciate the behind the scenes encouragement Terry gave to Mark & Debbie Gungor. They have blessed many people I know and pointed the way to a Godly marriage.

Peace to all his family and friends.

Karen Jordaan

September 22, 2016

Thank you for the "behind the scenes" ideas and efforts that made "Laugh your way" and Mark so awesomely unique!! May many more come to know Jesus personally and save many more marriages! God bless!!

Michele

September 22, 2016

Kindness is so rare. Thank you for blessing the world with this precious gifting. Your legacy will last many generations.

Mary Larson

September 22, 2016

My condolences to Terry's family. I was introduced to sailing on Lake Michigan aboard Terry's yacht, Agape, and have many fond memories of that time. Although an avid competitor himself, he was patient and kind with a novice like myself. With sincere sympathy, Mary Larson.

Sandy Kisinger

September 22, 2016

Thank you! My husband and I have done many seminars and we gave much of the information to our youth. We have had many young adults date and marry, including our own daughter. All our happy ,successful marriages because of Laugh your way gives tools, encouragement and knowledge for dating and married couples. Thank you again for touching so many people!

Theodor

September 22, 2016

Thank you Terry for enabling Laugh Your Way America and Mark to write about marriage and relationship which has opened the eyes of so many people around the world, and thankfully, mine too. God bless!

S'busiso Mthethwa

September 22, 2016

Thank you Terry, you saved our marriage. Had it not been for the Laugh Your Way DVD and the book plus the radio podcasts, I would have given up on my marriage. To the family, may you find comfort in knowing he is now "present with The Lord" and you shall meet him again in the morning.

Deborah Porche

September 22, 2016

Thank you Terry for believing in Mark. My Christian walk and marriage have been forever changed because you trusted God and believed in Mark.

Dan Bellerud

September 22, 2016

Thank you for being an inspiration to my very good friend Mark Gungor. If not for you, Mark may never have been the inspiration to me - and countless others - that he is

September 22, 2016

Prayers

John Gillespie

September 22, 2016

Jan and I had the privilege of getting to know Terry and Mary as they provided many years of support to helping us expand the ministry of the
Rawhide Boys Ranch. He provided the financial support to allow us to write a book about the early years of the boys ranch. It will be published early next year. When the very first teenager to become part of the ranch suffered serious medical and housing challenges at age 69, as the result of injuries from serving in the Army in combat in Vietnam, Terry provided the funds to build Jerry a new home.
We will miss him. He was a great friend and patriot.
John and Jan Gillespie

Dawn Simpson

September 22, 2016

Thank you, Terry, for your good influence on this world and others. I know you will be surely missed.

September 22, 2016

It is with deep sadness on reading on the passing Terry Kohler. Terry was one of the most well know gentlemen throughout the business world and he will be missed by all that knew him. I have known Terry over the many years both in business and political. Terry's generosity in helping others in need was always there when needed. Sheboygan has lost a great leader in the area.

Lyle E. Watson
Sun City Center, FL

Silviya Pancheva

September 22, 2016

I just learned that Mr Kihler was the person who inspired and supported Mr Mark Gungor to do Laugh Your way to a Better Marriage. And by doing so he inspired and changed my life as well. Thank you very, very much. Hope God comforts your hearts and fill them with joy.

Jasmine Ramsey

September 22, 2016

Thank you for your mentorship of Mark Gungor, and for being part of the chain that makes my marriage and faith thrive. See you later on, say hi to my baby girl, Temimah, in our home country. :)

Corey Capwell

September 22, 2016

Thank you Terry and family for bringing about the Laugh Your Way dream of Mark and Debbie Gungor. I know you have saved many marriages and souls by your generosity. I look forward to seeing you in Heaven and talking and laughing with you and Mark

Andrew & Elaine Barnes

September 22, 2016

Our heartfelt condolences to your family. We are thankful every day to the Laugh Your Way program and the influence he had in Mark Gungor's life and him starting that program. Although we never met him his work lives on in our happy marriage and relationship with God.

Philip Cockrell

September 22, 2016

Thanks seems insufficient for the great work you have done and what you made possible for so many.

debbie gungor

September 22, 2016

Thank you Mary for sharing in what we've been able to accomplish for goo with Laugh Your Way. Terry was a friend and we will miss him.

Corneli du Plessis

September 22, 2016

We are a South African bible study group in the UK and Laugh your way to a better marriage has been one of the high lights of our get togethers. Thank you Terry and Mark xxx

Karen and Steve Ruedas

September 22, 2016

Thank you.

Mark Gungor

September 22, 2016

Debbie and I were saddened to learn of the passing of our greatest supporter and encourager, Terry J Kohler.

Terry was the inspiration behind Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage. It was his belief in me and his support of our efforts that made Laugh Your Way possible.

Every seminar I give, every book that I write, every television/radio/podcast I do and even sermons I preach most likely would never have happened but for Terry Kohler.

There are millions of people who have better learned to understand themselves and the spouses because of Terry.

There are hundreds of thousands of couples who have had difficult marriages transformed into successful ones because of him.

There are countless families that are together today that would not have been because of his support.

There are literally hundreds of children who would not have been born (we call them Laugh Your Way babies) but for his efforts.

There are men and women all over the world who's eternities have literally been been changed because they came to faith in Jesus, who might have never been reached with the Good News, but for Terry's faith in our ministry.

It is only now in his death that I can publicly thank him for all he has done. If I had done it while he was still with us, he would have surely yelled at me :-) but now he can't. I do, however, have a deep sense that when I see him again in heaven, I may very well get a slap.

May God comfort his wife Mary and their entire family as well as the entire extended Windway family.

There are occasionally kindnesses bestowed upon us so great, it is impossible to ever repay. I can only hope to be as kind to others as Terry Kohler was to me.

God bless you Terry and thank you for everything. I look forward to seeing you again.