Gene Kohler

Gene Kohler, age 84, of New Hope, MN, formerly of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023, at North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville, MN.

Gene Robert Kohler was born on May 17, 1938, in Ortonville, MN, to parents, Fred E. and Agnes M. (Novak) Kohler. He attended school in Ortonville and graduated with the Class of 1956. Following high school, Gene attended college and earned his bachelor’s degree.

In 1961, Gene enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Corvallis, OR, until 1964. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Minnesota and made his home in the Twin Cities area. Gene worked as a graphic artist and illustrator.

In his leisure time, Gene enjoyed fishing, drawing, and watching the Minnesota Vikings. He also liked to research his family tree and trace his genealogy. Gene passed away after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Gene is survived by his children: DeAnn (Bob) Thompson of New London, MN; Elizabeth (Daryl) Chavez of Chandler, AZ; and Michael Kohler (Janelle Sjodin) of Brainerd, MN; grandchildren: John (Jen) Thompson of Paynesville, MN; Mandy Kempenich of London, England; Zachary Thompson (Andrea Marsh) of Fargo, ND; Taylor Niemi (Kai Hsu) of Miami, FL; Jake Niemi of Chandler, AZ; and Hannah Niemi of Chandler, AZ; great-grandchildren: Harper Thompson and Hayden Thompson; sisters: Marilyn Scherer, Betty Block, and Karen Vogel; and brother, Ron Kohler.

Preceding him in death were his father, Fred Kohler; and mother and stepfather, Agnes and Ernie Edison.