Renee Ann Kohner

WINONARenee Ann Kohner, 72 of Winona, passed away peacefully at home, on Tuesday, July 8, 2014.Daughter of Robert and Florence (Girod) Ostrowske, Renee was born July 11, 1941 in Minneapolis. She graduated from Wayzata High School and Minneapolis School of Business. On May 14, 1966, she married Roger Kohner. They were happily married for 48 years. For over 24 years, Renee was a proud member and sponsor in AA, helping others struggling to overcome addiction as she herself successfully did. She was also a member of the Winona Clown Club for many years, and was affectionately known as "Peek A Boo." After a well-fought battle with throat cancer, she required an electrolarynx to speak. Renee viewed the instrument as a gift and used it make people laugh, especially children. She never let it get her down, or hold her back from talking to people or from making a difference in others' lives in whatever way she could. She was also a member of New Voice Club of Hennepin County, the Lewiston Cancer Support Group and the Red Hats Society. Renee was small in stature, but she had enormous resilience. Her fortitude was an inspiration to those who were blessed to know her. Many in Winona will miss seeing her driving her bright yellow Volkswagen bug, with eyelashes, around town. She is survived by her husband, Roger Kohner; children, Michele (John Arndt) Kohner and Bobby Kohner; and grandson, Nicholas Kohner.The family prefers memorials be directed to the Lewiston Cancer Support Group.Funeral Mass will be 11 am, Monday, July 14 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Winona with the Reverend James Berning officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm, Sunday, July 13, 2014 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview and one hour prior to Mass in the commons area at the church. After the Mass there will be a lunch served and burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.Please share a memory of Renee with her family and view her video tribute at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/507540