Kohles, Joseph ("Joe") Leo (1952 - 2023)

KOHLES, ANDERSON, WINGERT, WEGNER, TOWNSEND, DUNLOP, ARKFELD, FUHS

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 5/9/2023 at 13:53:44

Name of deceased: Joseph (“Joe”) Leo Kohles

Aged: 71 yrs, 3 mo, 6 days

Residence: Panama, Shelby County, IA

Born: Jan. 14, 1952; Harlan, Shelby County, IA

Died: April 20, 2023; location not provided

Funeral services: Mass of Christian Burial: April 24, 2023; St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Portsmouth, IA; inurnment to be held at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Portsmouth, IA

Survived by: Wife of 45 years, Janet Kohles of Panama, IA; children, Jackie (spouse, Steve) Anderson of Omaha, NE, Jeff (spouse, Meghan) Kohles of Omaha, NE and John (spouse, Katy) Kohles of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Jadyn and Kohl Anderson, Kaia, Henry and Hattie Kohles, and Jack, Will, Leo and Molly Kohles; brother, Michael (spouse, Jan) Kohles of Folsom, CA; sisters, Karen Wingert of Panama, IA, Carol (spouse, Phil) Wegner of Panama, IA, and Jo Ann (spouse, Jay) Townsend of Wawa, PA; sisters-in-law, Beverly Kohles of Portsmouth, IA, Connie Kohles of Harlan, IA and Meg Kohles-Dunlop of Panama, IA; many nieces and nephews; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Delbert and Celestine “Sally” (nee Arkfeld) Kohles; brothers, Gary, Jerome (“Speed”), and Ron; brother-in-law, Alf Wingert

Education: Attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, Panama, IA until the age of 12 when his parents and four youngest siblings moved to San Bruno, CA; further details about his education were not provided

Religious affiliation: Catholic

Military service: no information provided

Marriage: Janet Fuhs; April 1, 1978; St. Mary’s Parish, Portsmouth, IA

Employment: In California, he was a foreman for Davey Tree Line Clearing crews. After his marriage in Iowa, Joe was a member of the Teamsters Union and drove for various trucking companies over 30 years. He retired in 2009.

Hobbies/Interests: Growing into adulthood in California, Joe stayed busy playing baseball and taking care of his paper route. He regularly attended San Francisco Giants baseball games and hitchhiked to the golf course to work on his swing. While working for Davey Tree Line Clearing, he played on the company’s softball team, which also included his brothers, Mike and Ron. During one game, he threw out his shoulder which required surgery. Family and friends chipped in and bought him an airline ticket so he could recuperate in Panama, IA. While in Panama, he met his future wife at a softball tournament. After he retired, Joe served on the Shelby County (IA) Golf Board and managed the clubhouse for 2 years. He enjoyed many rounds of golf as well as bowling during his retirement years.

Sources: harlanonline.com; kjan.com; pauleyjones.com