Elaine E. (Barkhaus) Kohls, 94, Fond du Lac and formerly of Gillett, was born Dec. 4, 1924, in Bonduel to Albert and Adela (Graf) Barkhaus. She passed on to the Lord on Jan. 3, 2019.
Elaine attended St. Paul Lutheran School and graduated salutatorian from Bonduel High School. She attended business college in Green Bay and worked at a bank and Dehn’s Ice Cream in Bonduel. She met Oscar Kohls at a wedding dance and swept him off his feet. They were married for 59 years before his passing. They had three children as they worked one of the largest dairy farms in Oconto County in the 1950s and ’60s. Elaine was Gillett Town clerk for 10 years. She was devoted to her faith in the Lord and was privileged to be the first woman member of the church council at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She was active in LWML and Ladies Aid, as well as Homemakers and other volunteer activities.
Elaine always said when Oscar proposed, she asked, “Will you take me traveling?” In their retirement, they traveled to 50 states, Germany and Israel. Oscar and Elaine wintered in Texas for 27 years. Later, she wintered in Florida.
She loved to read, play sheepshead and dominoes and visit with her great-grandchildren. She was completely devoted to her family.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Oscar and her brother Louis Barkhaus. She is survived by her sister Doris Buchholz, daughter Jean (Don Timpel), Carol Petty and Charles (Tami) Kohls, grandchildren Troy (Shannon) Timpel, Tara (John) Collingwoood, Ben (Sarah) Kohls, Bill (Krista) Kohls, Jeff (Lizzie) Petty and Amy Petty. She loved her seven great-grandchildren: Basil Gidus, Levi Gidus, Griff Kohls, Harper Kohls, Fox Petty, Felix Petty and Baylor Kohls.
Friends and relatives called on the family from 10-11:45 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, at Faith United Lutheran Church (11465 Old U, Gillett, WI 54124). A funeral service followed at noon with Pastor John Laatsch officiating. Interment will be in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.
The family sends special thanks to the staff of Crossroads, Kindred Hearts and Generations Homecare and Hospice.
For those wishing, memorials are appreciated to Faith United Lutheran Church at the above address.
For more information, visit LegacyFuneralChapels.com or call 920-855-2144.