John Joseph Kohls

John Joseph Kohls March 2, 1922 January 31, 2014  John Joseph Kohls slipped peacefully into the presence of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, January 31, 2014, after a long and blessed life.     Born in Yakima, Washington to Henry and Louisa Kohls, John was the eighth of nine children.  He graduated salutatorian in 1939 from Marquette High School and then headed to seminary in Sheridan, Oregon. From there he moved on to Seattle College. In 1942 John met his future wife, Tillie Heintzman. Drafted into the army during World War II, he proposed and they waited until his return from the Pacific to get married. He had many stories that he loved to share with his children and grandchildren about his interesting experiences in the military. When the war was over, they began their life together raising 7 children. John worked at many jobs before beginning his career at Pacific Power and Light. He and his growing family moved from Washington to Oregon to Montana and ended up in Stayton, Oregon where John was manager of the local Pacific Power & Light office until his retirement in 1984. He has made Stayton his home for the past 46 years.     John Kohls was a born again Christian, and for many years he and Tillie had a wonderful Bible study in their home that changed lives and brought many people to the Lord. Five years ago, his beloved wife of 62 years went ahead of him to her eternal reward. John continued on as a powerful prayer warrior.  Our family was reassured knowing he was constantly lifting us up in prayer. It was heavy on his heart that everyone he met, and those he loved, were assured of their salvation and that they had God’s Word to direct them.     John enjoyed boating, skiing & traveling, but most of all, spending time with family. We all have wonderful memories of the many family get-togethers. However, we all knew that John’s focus was always heavenward, knowing that Jesus was returning. He didn’t have to wait any longer, as God took him to be with Him before that great day. His family will always remember his favorite blessing that he prayed over us each time we departed. The Lord bless you and keep you;  The Lord make His face shine upon you And be gracious to you;  The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 We know John is seeing the Lord’s face shining on him right now and look forward to the day we will see him again.  John leaves behind his children: David (Mary) Kohls, Mary Kay (Jerry) McIntyre, Susan (David) Furrow, Patrick (Joyce) Kohls, Elizabeth (Jason) Allen, and Janette (Brian) Kauffman, as well as 29 grandchildren (9 spouses) and 16 great grandchildren.  Going before him into glory are his loving wife, Tillie, sons John Kohls II and Gerard, his parents and all his brothers and sisters.   A celebration of his life will be Saturday, February 8th 1pm at Weddle’s Funeral Home. Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services Stayton, Oregon.