Edward F. Kohner

Edward F. Kohner, 203 Treetops Lane, Winona, MN died suddenly at his home on Sunday, March 6, 2011 surrounded by his family. Ed was born June 15, 1930 in Winona, MN, to Edward N. and Marie (Lucas) Kohner. On December 1st, 1951 he married his high school sweetheart Jane Ann Scheets at St. Stanislaus Church, Winona, MN. Ed graduated from Cotter High School, where he was a star athlete winning all state honors in basketball and football. He was subsequently inducted into the Cotter Athletic Hall of Fame. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict where he was awarded the Purple Heart. He attended Winona State University and the University of Minnesota where he was a member of the Golden Gophers Football Team. While in Minneapolis he lived upstairs at the city's historic Fire Station 19 on University Avenue. This exposure to the life of a firefighter prompted his decision to test for and secure a position on the Winona Fire Department in 1954. As he said at the time of his retirement, "I can tell you there wasn't a day that went by that I regretted that decision."Ed was employed by the City of Winona as a firefighter for 38 years. He was one of the youngest individuals appointed to the rank of Captain. In 1980 he was promoted to Fire Chief, a position he held until his retirement in 1992. During this time, Ed received a commendation from the City of Winona and the State of Minnesota for heroism in the line of duty. Ed also served as president of the MN State Fire Chief's Association.Ed has lived in Winona all his life and has been an active member of the community. Ed's accomplishments throughout his life, both personally and professionally exemplify his commitment, love and dedication to his family, friends and the Winona community: * Red Cross Volunteer; Ed served on the Board of Directors and held the position of President. He taught both first aid and CPR classes. As a blood donor, Ed hit the 21-gallon mark. * Co-chaired the Clara Barton fund raising committee. * Received the Betty Calendar King Award. * Was a regular volunteer for the Reading on the Mall program. * Contributor, YMCA Partners With Youth Campaign.* Co-chaired the Visitors Center Committee for the expansion of the current Visitors Center. * Appointed interim City Manager for the city of Winona. * Former President and Lieutenant Governor of the Kiwanis. * Appointed Jack Frost of the Winona Winter Carnival. * Appointed Harbor Master for Winona's Steam Boat Days.* Annual presenter at the Veteran's Day program at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Winona.* Instrumental in the development and implementation of Winona Veteran's Memorial Park. * Active member of the Winona Elk's Club. * Active member of the Winona Eagle's Club. * Active member of the Winona VFW Club.* Active member of the Winona American Legion Club; honored with the Legionnaire of the Year Award. * Active member of the Winona Athletic Club. * Active member of the Winona Polish Heritage Society. * Participated in numerous fund raisers, selling tickets, preparing and serving meals for the Legion Club, Polish Heritage Society, Athletic Club and VFW Club, to name a few. * Member, Winona Chamber of Commerce; Winona Ambassadors Ambassador of the Year. * Member of Birth Right. * Member of the Historical Society. * Member of St. Stanislaus Parish. * Past member of the Finance Committee, St. Mary's Parish.* Featured on the HBC "Spirit of Winona" program preparing a meal for the Winona Legion Club. * Master of Ceremonies for the Miss Winona Scholarship Pageant. Ed was an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman, and also trained dogs for field trial. His children recall many nights after dinner when he would take them down to the lake and have them throw "dummy's" for the dogs to retrieve. Ed was a great cook and donated his skills, time and numerous gourmet meals to the Cotter High School Auction, American Legion, and Polish Heritage Society Potato Pancake Breakfasts. He especially enjoyed cooking for his family. His grandchildren will never forget the weekly Sunday dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Kohner's house.He will be eternally, missed and loved and is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jane; son Daniel Edward (Debbie) Kohner, daughter Laurie Jane (William) Becker, Son-in-law Leighton (Terri) Fritz, 8 Grandchildren; Katie Jo (Chad) Maschka, Ryan (Josie) Becker, Rachel (AJ) Kanz, Stephanie Kohner, Jennifer Becker, Joseph Kohner, Daniel Fritz, Kelly Fritz, 9 Great Grandchildren Jacob, Alexander and Andrew Maschka, Landon and Ashlynn Becker, Gwen Kanz, Isaiah, Aria and Alivia Bell; sisters Mary (Don) Galuska, Carol (Fred) Buse, brother Jeffrey (Elaine) Kohner, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Lynn (Kohner) Fritz, and great grandsons Garrett and Gavin Kanz. A Funeral Mass for Ed will be 11AM Friday at St Stanislaus Catholic Church with the Reverend Paul Breza officiating. Internment will be at a later date in St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8PM Thursday at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service - Hansen Goodview Chapel. They may also call one hour before services at the church.Please share a memory of Ed with his family at his on-line Guestbook and view his Tribute Video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. There are not enough words to express our love for him. He will forever be in our thoughts, prayers, and memories.You have touched so many lives and earned the respect and admiration of everyone who knew you. We are so proud to have called you husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend.The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to your favorite charity in Ed's name.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/203077