William "Bill" R. Kohler, age 86 of Monroe, passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital.
Born April 13, 1937 in Monroe, Bill was the son of the late Rudolph and Alta (Held) Kohler. After attending Monroe High School, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. He served from July 29, 1954 until being honorably discharged on June 25, 1962.
Bill married Audrey Sue Michel in 1957 in Monroe and later married Patricia Ann VanWassehnova in 1982, also in Monroe. Sadly, she passed on August 29, 2018.
After returning from serving his country, Bill worked for Ace Paper Company and then Tile Village. In 1965, he started Kohler's Flooring with his father Rudy, brothers Dick and Alan, and others, until 1980. After, he worked for other flooring companies and once again, started his own flooring business. Installing ceramic tile was his specialty.
Bill was a member of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church and a life member of Moose Lodge 884. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, riding his Harley, gambling, and spending time with his family and friends.
Bill is survived by two sons, Brian (Melinda) Kohler and Kevin (Virginia) Kohler, both of Newport, MI; daughter, Cheryl (Glenn) Reinneck of Mascoutah, IL; step-son, Bradley VanWassehnova of Monroe; siblings, Richard (Susan) Kohler of Monroe, Carol (Bill) Kiefer of Ottawa Lake, MI, Alan (Theresa) Kohler of Monroe, and Marilyn Ferguson of Monroe; 12 grandchildren: Jacob (Brittany) Kohler, Angie (Rick) Pauwels, Steven (Crystal) Kohler, Brandi Hales, Gregory Hales, Sara (Mikey) Breitner, Courtnie (Braxton) Gerdes, Corey (Marissa Todd) Kohler, Jennifer Deschaw, Jessica (Jimmy Wright) VanWassehnova, Jodi (Michael Rogers) VanWassehnova, and Gabi Bussell; 14 great-grandchildren: Cashton, Ryan, Anastasia, Luca, Madison, Elizabeth, Mila, Maci, Kenidy, Cadence, Lola, Parker, Ethan, and Reggie.
In addition to his parents and wife Pat, Bill was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Jay Ferguson and nephew, Jason Ferguson.
Family and friends may visit from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 24th at Bacarella Funeral Home where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday. Rev. D. Lee Cullen, Jr., pastor of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church will officiate. Military honors will also be provided by the Honor Guard of the Dundee Veterans Memorial Club. Cremation will follow with burial at Gethsemane Cemetery at a later date in accordance with Bill's wishes.
For anyone wanting to make a memorial donation, the family recommends supporting Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in lieu of flowers.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .