John R. Kohel, 63, of Kenosha, passed away Saturday, July 8th, 2006, at his residence. Born September 23, 1942, in Auburndale, WI, he was the son of the late Ben and May (Luepke) Kohel. He attended the schools of Auburndale, graduating from Auburndale High School in 1960. He then moved to Kenosha to make his home. He was in the Navy Seabees from January 10, 1966, until his honorable discharge on May 6, 1970, attending Electrician Class A School in Davisville, RI. He was then stationed at Port Huenme, CA, for six months, then being called to active duty, served in Denang, Vietnam, for eight months. He was in the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five. John received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star, The Fleet Marine Combat Insignia, and the RVN Campaign Medal. He had been employed as an electrician for American Motors/Chrysler Corp. for 30 years, retiring in 2004. On June 13, 1964, in Sturgeon Bay, WI, he married Gail Nelson; they later divorced. He was a member of VFW Junker Ball Post #1865 and UAW Local #72. John enjoyed hunting, crossword puzzles, and Western Movies, especially with John Wayne. Surviving are two children, Christopher (Deborah) of Paddock Lake, WI, and Rebecca Ann Kohel of Stevens Point, WI; a sister, Margaret (Jack) Kohel Evans of San Antonio, TX; four brothers, Gerald (Sharon) Kohel of Marshfield, WI, Lewis Kohel of Mosinee, WI, and David (Theresa) Kohel and William (Sarkon-"Ann") Kohel, both of Kenosha; seven grandchildren, Ryan James Kohel, Katelynn Rose Mezera Kohel, Faith Anna Marie Kohel, Terri Roe, Christina Ritchie, Stephanie Kong, and Liz Martin; and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Audrey Swik; and four brothers, Ronald, Robert, Richard and Gordon Kohel. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 13th, from Proko Funeral Home at 9:30 am. Mass to be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society or the charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533www.prokofuneralhome.com