Larry Kohls’ ability to entertain and keep his family and friends smiling with his quick wit and sense of humor will be greatly missed. Born Lawrence Joseph Kohls in Galion November 3, 1926 to Anthony and Marie (Miller) Kohls, he passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 4, 2018 in Galion at the spry age of 91.
Lawrence was a kind and gentle soul who garnered the love, admiration and respect of the lives he touched. He was generous with his time, love and money, always putting everyone else’s needs above his own, and always without complaint or expectation.
The eldest of 12 children, Lawrence was raised on a farm in Galion where he gained appreciation for the simpler things in life. Growing up he developed a passion for gardening. Nothing made him happier then to share the bounty of vegetables with family and friends. He loved to hunt, fish and golf and was most proud of his travels to Montana where he successfully returned home with an Elk. Lawrence was an avid reader who also enjoyed cooking and baking – his cookies were legendary among family and friends. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on engines and was the go to person if anything needed to be fixed. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, whether it be sharing stories around the kitchen table, baking cookies or attending his grandkids sporting events, Lawrence’s family was the joy of his life and he was the joy of theirs.
He attended Galion High School, and at the age of 19 enlisted in the Army where he served in the Aleutian Islands during WW II. He spent most of his career working as a machinist and foreman at Galion Dresser where he retired after 42 dedicated years of service. In 2011Larry had the honor and privilege to participate in the Honor Flight Columbus to experience Washington, D.C. and view the WW II memorial.
He leaves behind his children Mary Lou (Dennis) Junker, Marty (Lisa) Kohls, Lisa and (Mike) Orr, six grandchildren Lynn Steele, Lauren (Nick) Pernell, Jon (Hana) Junker, Kelly Kohls, Josh Kohls, and Alex Orr, and six great grandchildren: Mya and Ella Steele, Blake Kohls, Hayden Kohls, Audrey Pernell and Luna Junker; sisters Mary Yetzer, Dorothy Beach, Lousie Eitzen, Barbara Winely, Anne DeNero; brothers Robert (Betty) Kohls and Tom (Pam) Kohls and his faithful four legged companion, Pooker.
He is preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Kohls, parents, Marie and Anthony Kohls, Siblings Bill Kohls, Rita Reed, Francis “Pete” Kohls and Betty Studer.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday. April 9, 2018 followed by a vigil service at 7:45 p.m. with Deacon Greg Kirk at Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes, 218 South Market St., Galion, Ohio 44833. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Galion at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2018 with Father Paul Fahrbach, celebrant. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the United States Army and Galion Crestline Veterans Military Funeral Detail.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Crawford County Humane Society in care of the funeral home.
Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of Larry Kohls, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.