William A. Kohnke

William “Bill” Anthony Kohnke, of Bartlett, Illinois our loving, easy going, awesome father was united with our mother in their eternal home on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the age of 89. Dad, was the son of the late William and late Margaret (nee Fowler). Born on September 1, 1932, was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Ann, sister Alice Wohler (Bob+), great-granddaughter Peyton Marie Holland, son-in-law Greg Holland, Rob Wohler, Margie Wohler-Sylvester, Ann Marie Wohler, Bill Wohler. Bill is survived by his brother Jim Kohnke (Carol+), Jane Wohler, Steve Wohler, Jim Kohnke and Linda Johnson (John+).

Bill and Ann were united in marriage on June 16, 1956 and celebrated 62 years together. Bill was the strong, supportive and loving father of four children. Debbie Holland (Greg+), Cindy Judd (Larry), Bill Kohnke (Mary Beth), Anita Kniery (Joe). The proud grandfather of Tiffany Hopper (Garry), Bill Holland (Jenna), Kristina Neesam (Casslan), Katie Holland, Thomas Judd, Alicia Kniery (Nick) and Alexis Freed (Ben). Loving great-grandfather of Julia Hopper, Owen Hopper, Natalie Hopper, Hadleigh Neesam, Peyton Marie Holland+, Jayda Holland, Grant Neesam, Jordyn Holland, Lucas Freed and Lorne Freed.

Our Dad had a great love of golf whether playing, watching or being a Ranger at Old Wayne Golf Course. Dad’s Ranger duties were to keep the peace- which he did! Dad was great at storytelling- he had a terrific sense of humor, great wit, always a twinkle in his eye and a skip in his step. Dad was a constant learner with a sharp mind. More often than not, he would share what he thought you might be interested in.

Dad was a man of strong faith, always positive, looking on the bright side and never looking back. He was incredibly handy, resourceful and he had the ability to fix just about anything. Dad was thoughtful, considerate, patient to no end, generous, kind and gentle.

Dad was a veteran, in the US Army during the Korean war ranked as tech corporal. Later in his life he shared with us the stories of his experience during that time.

Dad had an unwavering commitment to help others, always without hesitation and judgement.

His uncanny ability to guide us in the right direction, letting you know anything is possible with hard work he instilled the confidence that we could do it. Dad was a coffeecake and sweet tooth lover and he passed that down to us! We will miss bringing him his Fannie May, Snowballs and various other sweets.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021 at Resurrection Catholic Church, 30W350 E. Army Trail Road, Wayne, IL with visitation at 1:00pm and a funeral mass at 2:00pm.