Karl A. Kohler, 79, died April 23, 2015, at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center. He was born in Dousman, on June 15, 1935, to the late Gilbert and Marion (Bautz) Kohler and had been a Racine resident since 1964.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army as Sergeant of Paratroopers 11th Airborne Division stationed in Munich, Germany. He earned a BA in engineering at Michigan State University and Masters Degree from Marquette University.
On June 14, 1958, at St. John’s Catholic Church, South Milwaukee, he married Patricia J. Cejka. He was employed for 33 years by S.C. Johnson as the Research and Development Director Worldwide, retiring in 1998. Karl holds over 63 patents and garnered multiple engineering awards for his creative and innovative thinking.
He was a longtime member of St. Rita Catholic Church, a member of the S.C. Johnson ’20 Year Club’ and associate member of St. Vincent DePaul Society. He was an avid hunter, taking pride in his many trophies and worldwide capers. He was involved in his community, serving on the school board and coaching baseball for many years. He will be best remembered as a great husband, father, provider and devoted Catholic.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years; children, Anthony (Michelle) Kohler, Chandler, Ariz., Karla-Ann (Emich) Ralf, Zurich, Switzerland, Clifford (Helen) Kohler, Kenosha, Roberta-Lynn (Dan) Robers, Burlington; grandchildren, Jessie, Erin, Brent, Bryce, Karl, Kristin, Andrew, Nicole, Kristina, Kevin, Eric, Kimberly, Chase, Danielle, May, and Josh; great-grandchildren, Mollie, Alison, Mason, and Bryan; siblings, James (Helen) Kohler, Texas, Henry (Karen) Kohler, Oak Creek, Marion (Al) Carl, Oak Creek, Elizabeth (Dennis) Maier, Oak Creek; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Loris-Ann (Tony) Greco, Franklin, Karen Lee Cejka, Ocala, Fl.; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, April 28, at 4 p.m., at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Erie St., with the Rev. Rich Young officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Tuesday at the church from 2-4 p.m. Private interment with Full Military Honors will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover. Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, Racine, is serving the family.
Memorials to St. Rita Catholic Church are suggested.
Well-wishers can visit www.meredithfuneralhome.com.
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Hello Pat and Family,
WE are indeed sorry to read that Carl has passed. We are happy to have known him and have him as a neighbor and friend. We had many good times and memories. Please give our prayers and good thoughts to your whole family.
Blessings, Donna & Bob Mather