Edward Kohn

Edward Kohn, 89, of Port Washington passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton from complications of congestive heart failure.

  Ed was born to Carl and Hazel Kohn in North Lake, Wis., on Aug. 23, 1935.

As a teen, Ed began work on his parent’s and uncle’s farms in the Sussex area. After graduating from Menomonee Falls High School in 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to England and Germany, where he was a heavy equipment operator.

  Following his enlistment, Ed worked in assembly at American Motors in Milwaukee and Simplicity Manufacturing in Port Washington. Later, he returned to school to study CNC machine operation. Ed completed his career as a CNC machinist at H&R Tool in Fredonia, where he retired in 2016, a few days before his 81st birthday.

When not at his full-time job, Ed worked part-time during many winters plowing snow for Nate’s Lawn Maintenance, his grandson’s company, in Belgium, Wis.

  Ed married Lila Silvers on Dec. 14, 1957, at Friedens Church in Port Washington.

Ed and Lila resided in Port Washington the remainder of their lives and had a special place in their hearts for children, opening their home as foster parents to dozens of infants, small children and teenagers.

  Ed especially enjoyed the company of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He often insisted on being their go-to handyman, grounds maintenance technician and/or construction leader on projects at many of their homes.

Ed was a member of Friedens Evangelical Church, where he enjoyed serving as a greeter and assisting his wife as a youth leader.

He was a lifelong softball and baseball player, coach and fan. Ed played with, coached and managed recreational adult softball teams for many years. As an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan, Ed rarely missed a televised game and enjoyed Brewers spring training trips to Arizona with his son. Ed was a lifelong Packer fan as well.

He will always be remembered for his big bear hugs and final words of “I love you. Enjoy yourselves!”

  He is survived by his son Kent (Pat) of Eagle River; daughters Lisa (Dick) Krier and Litha Mueller, both of Port Washington, and Janet (Mike) Cook of Montello; 12 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife in 2004, daughter Marlinda and son-in-law Gary Mueller.

  Friends and family will be greeted on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Friedens Evangelical Church. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. The Rev. Brandon Lemmons will officiate.

Interment will be at Union Cemetery in Port Washington.

  In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to the American Heart Association.

The family is grateful to the staff at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton for the exceptional care they provided Ed.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.