Howard Kohls

Madison-We are deeply saddened by the passing of Howard E. Kohls, age 77 on Friday, May 24, 2013 at Agrace Hospice care in Fitchburg. He was born on August 23, 1935 at home, on a farm, in the township of Waterloo in Jefferson County, the son of Albert and Sarah (Hahn) Kohls and youngest brother to Kenneth Kohls and Robert Kohls.

The Kohls Family soon moved to a farm in the Sun Prairie area near the corners of Bailey and Burke Road. They built up the dairy farm and developed strong roots in the community. They enjoyed friendships with all their neighbors and always were involved with the church. The intersection of Bailey and Burke road had become to be thought of as Kohls Corners by the family because each of the brothers had built or remodeled their own homes there. Later a beautiful retirement home was built for Sarah and Albert.

Howard was always a builder. He helped his family build the wonderful Barnes and other things on the farm, helped his brothers with their homes, and finally designed and built his own home, cabinet work, and some of the furniture. Howard had also worked as a glass cutter, flower delivery and route sales for Ronnlie's Flowers in Madison. He also made the original large entrance sign and the street signs for Prairie Homes. Howard loved music and playing the organ for Peace Lutheran Church for more than 17 years. Howard married Caroline Stark and had the biggest love of his life, his daughter Cathy Lynn Kohls. Howard, Caroline and Cathy had many family adventures together. They drove snowmobiles and belonged to the local snowmobile club, went to Packer games, camped out, traveled in their mini mobile home, were involved with Cathy's drum corps and helped drive bus for 5 years. Howard also tried photography, with his own dark room, and always enjoyed plants. Unfortunately, MS began to set in sometime after he had completed his home. Later he and Cathy moved back with his mother Sarah, for about four years. Around 1990, Howard became independent and moved to Madison and a new adventure started. By this time Howard's MS had progressed and he was now a quadriplegic. Howard always seemed to retain a positive attitude with his courage, and his strong faith in God. Every one that knew Howard seemed to like him. He was quiet, thoughtful and always kept a confidence. His health care workers enjoyed working with him. David Sachs, a part-time worker stayed 24 years, DuWayne Kohl, as full-time live-in worker for 23 years and Sabina Mosley, a part-time worker for almost 10 . Howard would cruise around the neighborhood, parks and river area in his power chair.

Howard had developed an interest in computers and worked with the Wisconsin School of Electronics, to try and develop computer voice control. Note: Howard contacted the school first. In 1998,he got his first computer-like device and started surfing the world via the web until a few days before his passing. Howard chose to live his life as best he could, but it should be noted that he was helped by many kind people such as his mother Sarah, Church Peace Lutheran Church and its members, Access to Independence, The Community Living Alliance, The Common Wealth Development People and many, many more friends along the way.

Howard is survived by his daughter, Cathy Kohls; grandson, Michael Powers, also granddaughter, Nicole Daniels-Heines; and his great granddaughters, Alissa Heins and Katelyn Heins (Katy for short) (daughters of Nicole Heins). Howard was preceded in passing by his parents and brothers.

Anyone and everyone that knew Howard or would like to know something more about Howard is welcome to come to the memorial service. If someone can't or would just rather not come, that would certainly be just fine with Howard as well. A small momentary thought or prayer for Howard from where ever a person is, of course, would be appreciated and more than adequate. I feel that Howard's spirit is everywhere now.

Howard passed away at about 5:50 am on Friday morning. Howard was comfortable at the time of his passing at Agrace HospiceCare. Howard had some wonderful visitors and company in his last days at Saint Mary's and Agrace. I was fortunate to be with Howard at the moment of his passing. Prayers were said. Howard passed very peacefully.

A memorial service will be held at PEACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 232 Windsor Street, Sun Prairie, on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Luke Were and Pastor Greg C.A. Lyon officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be held at the Sun Prairie Cemetery on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Anyone who would like to come is welcome. If you know anyone you think would be interested in this information, you are certainly welcome to share it with them.