Robert Frank Kohl
December 19, 1944 - December 17, 2023
Obituary
LAKE MILLS - Robert Frank “Bob” Kohl, 78, of Lake Mills, died on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, surrounded by his family and in the loving arms of his wife. He was born on Dec. 19, 1944, to the late Robert and Jeanne (DeRoshey) Kohl in Stambaugh, Mich. Bob grew up in Iron River, Mich., and spent his youth helping his grandparents on their farm and his parents with their cabins and gas station.
Bob graduated in 1963 from Iron River High School and kept his classmates as life-long friends. He was proud to be a “Yooper.” After graduating from Northern Michigan University, Bob became an educator and spent his entire career mentoring students and teachers. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, thus making him a Badger for life.
In 2000, Bob married the love of his life, Becki, and spent the next 23 years by her side enjoying life and going on adventures. They camped in national and state parks, hiked up mountains and through the deserts, paddled on rivers and lakes, traversed the green landscapes of Ireland and Thailand, laid on the beaches in Mexico and many Caribbean Islands, and road-tripped across the country as often as possible. Bob’s most favorite places include Monument Valley, the Puget Sound, Gulf Shores, Saguaro National Park and the Upper Peninsula.
Bob also enjoyed photography, woodworking, hanging out with his kids, visiting his siblings, teasing his nieces and nephews, and riding ferry boats in the Puget Sound. But mostly he loved his grandkids. Bob was the perfect Grandpa. He loved playing with his grandchildren, taking them to Grandparents University, attending their sporting or music events, teaching them games and taking them camping. Bob cherished every moment he spent with his family.
Bob is survived by his wife, Becki; his children, Rob (Lauren) Kohl, Matt (Becky) Kohl, Rachel (Brad) Javorsky, Steve Kohl and Kate (Garrett) Hudson; his grandchildren, Meghan, Jonah, Max, Milo, Griffin, Juliet, Greta, Josie, Stella, Fox and Posey; his siblings, Jane Wayne, Patti Ann Kohl, and Jim (Jean) Kohl; and many nieces and nephews. Bob is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Sandra (Gary) Hegeman. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Frank Wayne.
A memorial is being planned for a future date. Instead of flowers or monetary gifts, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society - www.cancer.org.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420