John Kohler, age 89, a resident of Spooner, Wisconsin, died on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

John was born on June 29, 1931, to Peter and Ellen (Disch) Kohler.

John was raised in Argyle, Wisconsin, and graduated high school there with the Class of 1949.

In 1950 he was united in marriage to Patricia Driscoll in Janesville, Wisconsin. He served in the US Army from 1951-1953 during the Korean War. It was during his enlistment that he served in the Color Guard for President Eisenhower's inauguration. After his discharge, he worked at Ossit Church Furniture Company for several years before moving his family to Fontana, Wisconsin, to build houses, eventually starting his own business, KG Builders. In 1979, he and Pat and son, Don, moved to Springbrook, Wisconsin, where he continued his carpentry business as Long John's Construction. He and Pat spent several years in Bullhead City, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada, before retiring to their woods near Trego, Wisconsin, in 1999.

John is survived by his wife of 70 years, Patricia; sons, John and Tom; daughter and son-in-law, Debra and John Anderson; son-in-law, Wayne Ratzenberger; daughter-in-law, Sheri Kohler; grandsons, Eric Anderson and John Miller; granddaughter, Trisha Kohler; and many nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by his parents; son, Donald Kohler; daughter, Nancy Ratzenberger; brothers, Robert and Henry; and sister, Ellen Lane.

A family graveside service with military honors will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. A celebration of Long John's life will be held at a later date (probably at The Prime).

Last Update: Apr 26, 2021 12:21 pm CDT