John (“Jeff”) Michael Kohler V passed away peacefully on Saturday in hospice care near his home in Franksville, Wisconsin, after a courageous journey with cancer. Born in San Diego, California, on March 17, 1959, Jeff was the son of John Michael (“Mike”) Kohler Jr. and Lucile (“Snooky”) F. Kohler.

Growing up, Jeff moved with his family several times, living in California, Missouri, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and South Carolina. A brilliantly creative and curious lifelong learner, Jeff had many passions. As a child, he was active in scouting and learned to scuba dive, and in high school he discovered two loves that would stay with him forever — art and flying. Jeff graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1977 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton College in 1981.

After college, Jeff built a successful career in art, marketing, and medical illustration in Chicago. In 1986, he met his partner for life and fellow artist, Ruth Mendel, and married in 1989. Shortly thereafter, they were blessed with the birth and light of their lives, Elaine Claire Kohler. At that time, with Ruth’s support, Jeff took a courageous leap to follow one of his lifelong dreams — becoming a pilot. He earned his professional certification from FlightSafety International and went on to enjoy a remarkable 30-year career in private, corporate, and commercial aviation, ultimately achieving the rank of captain.

Jeff was deeply committed to aviation safety, helping to advance several initiatives that improved airline operations. He also served proudly as a Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO).

Outside of flying, Jeff was a gifted artist who loved creating across many mediums — from drawing and painting to sculpture. He was also a passionate entrepreneur and wildlife advocate. In 2021, he received one of life’s greatest blessings: becoming a grandfather to twin granddaughters. After retiring in 2023, Jeff and Ruth moved from Glenview, Illinois, where they had lived for many years, to Franksville, Wisconsin.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; his daughter, Elaine Claire Kohler of Washington, D.C., and her husband, Chris Ray, along with their daughters, Fiona and Illyria. He is also survived by his brothers, Matthew Kohler (Julienne) of Charleston, South Carolina; Andrew Kohler of Morris Plains, New Jersey; and Stephen Kohler (Michelle) of Northbrook, Illinois. He is also remembered with love by his sister-in-law, Judy Mendel, and her husband, Jorge Kurganoff, and their daughter, Yael Kurganoff (Burak Atagun), as well as many cherished life-long friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jeff will be remembered by all who knew him for his enduring kindness, creativity, and generous spirit.

A private celebration of life will be held for family in Kohler, Wisconsin, in January 2026. Expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial contributions can be made to The American Brain Tumor Association  https://give.abta.org/give/47… and Glioblastoma Foundation https://glioblastomafoundatio… . 

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