David Charles Kohler

David C. Kohler, 71, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025. He was born on August 2, 1953, to George and Marge (Popelka) Kohler. 

Dave is survived by his wife Beth of 46 years; their son, John Kohler (Erin Malone), Erin’s children: Chloe Jank, Trinity Jank (Andy Hetebrueg) their son Waylon; siblings, Mark Kohler, Kristine Moore, and Karen (Ken) Liepert. Dave is furthered survived by his in laws; Tori (Scott) Nonhof, Pete (Kathy) Bingen, and Toni (Phil) Schneider, and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Dave is preceded in death by his son Michael Kohler, parents George and Marge Kohler, brother Tim Kohler, father and mother in-law Eugene and Mary Ann Bingen.

Beth and Dave have been married for over 46 years, and he was an amazing husband and father. When their boys were little Dave coached the boys’ soccer teams and was not only a 4-H leader but was President of the 4-H Board and was instrumental in the founding of the Washington County Fair Park. In addition he was also a member of the West Bend Moose Lodge, and Knights of Columbus.

Dave really loved his job at Simplicity, so much so he began a lawn tractor rescue program. Friends and family could always rely on him for his knowledge and inventory of parts. In 1986 Dave bowled a 299 in his league! Just short of a perfect 300 but definitely a proud moment! 

Dave and his wife Beth loved to travel, and he especially loved heading out west to Las Vegas and Colorado. They were a team together from the beginning to the end. She went with him on many gambling trips across the country and up in northern Wisconsin where he was a supporter of the Indians with his losses and in turn he went camping with her, albeit, not as enthusiastically as a casino trip. 

One of Dave’s absolute favorite things to do was to play cards. He went from loving Sheepshead and Cribbage to really enjoying the game Sevens with anyone who would play with him. 

On Mondays and Fridays Dave held his “Adult Tractor Triage” at his shop in West Bend with his very best friends Rich Fahney, Al Schulz, Joe Miller and his son John. While there they spent many hours working on cars, tractors, and discussing the facts of life. 

Dave’s family would really like to give special thanks to Brenda Pamperin who donated her kidney, which enabled him to receive a kidney two weeks later. This kidney improved his quality of life for the past 5 years! 

VISITATION: Dave’s family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: A memorial service for Dave will follow visitation at 6:00 p.m. with Deacon Mark Jansen officiating the service.

Memorials in honor of Dave's memory can be sent to St. Jude https://www.stjude.org/give.html or UW Madison Kidney Transplant https://www.uwhealth.org/philanthropy.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Dave’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.