John David Kohler

John David Kohler passed away peacefully in his home, in front of the lake that he loved, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, February 28, 2021. John was born on September 9, 1944 to Maurice and Henrietta Kohler in Erie, Michigan. He married Judith A. (Volmayer) on May 20, 1967 and together they raised two children, Mark and Keith. Sadly, Judith passed away on May 11, 1996. Having an abundance of life and love to share, John would later meet Rosemary “Rosie” Southwell, whom he married on October 5, 2002. John graduated from Monroe High School in 1962 and received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Michigan in 1967. John was a registered Architect in Michigan and Ohio and began his 47-year architectural career working for Richards, Bauer and Moorehead in Toledo, OH and D.H. Dunbar in Monroe, MI before establishing the architectural firm John D. Kohler Architect, P.C. in 1977, which he operated for 37 years before passing this legacy on to his sons Mark and Keith. An avid fisherman, John spent his summers on Lake Erie chasing walleye and perch, and enjoying friends and family. He also enjoyed hunting, shooting trap, and tinkering around his home on the lake. An involved member of the Monroe community, John served on the Fine Arts Council for over 40 years and was heavily involved in the Monroe County Student Design Competition. He was an honorary life member of the Monroe Exchange Club, life member of the Monroe County Rod and Gun Club, and past board member of Mercy Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Rosie; sons Mark (Beth) Kohler and Keith (Tara) Kohler; James Sievert, Daniel Sievert, and Jamie (Michael) Simms; grandchildren Cameron Kohler, John Kohler, Kendall Kohler, Michael Simms Jr., Katherine Simms, Joseph Simms (Catlyn), Ashley Kunath, and Zack Kunath; and great grandson Wesley Simms; sister Maryanne (Ken) Havekost, and brother Tom (Kathy) Kohler. Preceding him in death were his parents, Maurice and Henrietta, and wife Judith. Due to COVID restrictions and in consideration of the health and safety of others, the family is holding a one-day open viewing on Saturday, March 6th, from 11am to 2:00pm followed by a private Funeral service with family and close friends to be held at Bacarella Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Roselawn. To honor the life of John D. Kohler, his family plans to hold an outdoor memorial service in the summer at which friends may gather to celebrate his life. Memorial contributions may be made to the Education Foundation of the Monroe Public Schools. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

John David Kohler

September 9, 1944 - February 28, 2021