Lenore E. Kohl

Lenore Ethel Kohl, age 90, of Ripon, WI, passed away with her family by her side on Friday, April 28, 2023 at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.

Lenore was born on February 23, 1933 in Antigo, WI, the daughter of Charles Jr. and Ethel (Badtke) Decker. Lenore graduated from Ripon High School and attended the UW-Madison School of Nursing. On December 27, 1950, she married Jackson Kohl in Ripon. In addition to her role as homemaker, Lenore had a wide variety of careers and leadership positions in Ripon. Initially, she joined her husband in the family business of microscope slide production. She went on to own the Ripon Thrift Store during the 1970’s, where she enjoyed acquiring old furniture to repurpose and sell. Lenore was also employed as a field sampler at Green Giant. She would take samples of peas and corn to advise the corporation of when crops were ready to be harvested. On the leadership side, Lenore was secretary of the Ripon Chamber of Commerce, she served on the Ripon City Council, and she was secretary for the Ripon Area Food Co-op. She also volunteered for the Ripon Public Library, helping with their semi-annual book sales. Lenore’s hobbies included gardening, knitting and needlework, theatre with the Ripon College theatrical department, singing in the church choir, and traveling. She was a terrific cook and her lemon meringue pies will surely be missed.  

Lenore is survived by her son, Richard (Sue) Kohl of Ripon, WI; a granddaughter, Angela Kohl (Brian) Pitman of Pittsburgh, PA; grandson, Christopher Jackson (Tracy) Kohl of San Diego, CA; great-grandchildren, Dominic Pitman and Miles and Emma Kohl; brother, Royce Decker, Sr.; special friend, Dick Kutz; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 
Lenore was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Jr. and Ethel Decker; husband, Jackson Kohl; daughter, Kathleen Kohl; sister-in-law, Althea Decker; and several aunts, uncles and siblings. 

A celebration of life for Lenore will be held at a later date. Inurnment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ripon, WI. A memorial is being established in her name.