Ramon "Ray" Kohl
June 14, 1931 — July 16, 2014
Ramon “Ray” Kohl, 83, of Marion died while residing at Willow Gardens Care Center in Marion. Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Marion will hold visitation Friday, July 18, 2014 from 4 to 7pm and the service on Saturday, July 19, 2014, at 10:30 a.m.
Many remember Ray with his pride and joy, Daphney. They went everywhere together, even Barnes & Noble Bookstore, entertaining customers & staff.
Ray was born in McCook, NE to LaMoine and Juanita (Marimee) Kohl on June 14, 1931. He grew up in Hastings, NE, along with five brothers. After high school football and debate team in 1949, Ray entered the Army National Guard (Company G, 134th infantry); he and Jean Hofferber married; and started their family in Hastings, raising Craig Kohl (Cedar Rapids), Deborah (Kohl) Pierce (Marion), and Terrie Kohl (Clive).
In 1954, Ray began working for Security Mutual Life Insurance, moving to Lincoln, NE, as a field supervisor; then on to Cedar Rapids, opening his own office as General Agent. Ray decided to change careers in 1966, selling real estate; first, for John Zacher, then Fred Gibson. In April of 1971, Ray opened the first Century 21 franchise in Cedar Rapids under “Ray Kohl Realtors” at 19th St & 1st Ave SE. He retired as a Century 21 Brokerage Firm in 1991.
Throughout his career, Ray demonstrated his community spirit and care for humanity. He supported Red Cross, March of Dimes as Chairman, Cedar Rapids Art Museum, Polk Elementary School, & Cedar Hills Boys & Girls Softball.
Ray also assisted George Patrick with University of Iowa’s wrestling stats
Ray was an avid reader, especially about genealogy. One of his hidden talents was handwriting analysis. Ray said that ability assisted in his business. He enjoyed volleyball and snow skiing in his early years. After retirement, Ray spent his time with Daphney; fishing, fly tying in his own fishing shop in his basement; and watching college football, primarily Nebraska Cornhuskers. Ray participated in several organizations: Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks; the Order of United Commercial Travelers (UCT) of America; Sertoma; and DeMolays, Masons (32 ◦), & Shriners.
Ray is survived by his three children; grandchildren: Joette Pierce & James (Melanie) Pierce; and great-grandchildren, all of Marion, IA; one surviving brother: Guy Kohl (York, NE); and lots of extended family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Manchester Fish Hatchery to the “Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund”.
Many remember Ray with his pride and joy, Daphney. They went everywhere together, even Barnes & Noble Bookstore, entertaining customers & staff.
Ray was born in McCook, NE to LaMoine and Juanita (Marimee) Kohl on June 14, 1931. He grew up in Hastings, NE, along with five brothers. After high school football and debate team in 1949, Ray entered the Army National Guard (Company G, 134th infantry); he and Jean Hofferber married; and started their family in Hastings, raising Craig Kohl (Cedar Rapids), Deborah (Kohl) Pierce (Marion), and Terrie Kohl (Clive).
In 1954, Ray began working for Security Mutual Life Insurance, moving to Lincoln, NE, as a field supervisor; then on to Cedar Rapids, opening his own office as General Agent. Ray decided to change careers in 1966, selling real estate; first, for John Zacher, then Fred Gibson. In April of 1971, Ray opened the first Century 21 franchise in Cedar Rapids under “Ray Kohl Realtors” at 19th St & 1st Ave SE. He retired as a Century 21 Brokerage Firm in 1991.
Throughout his career, Ray demonstrated his community spirit and care for humanity. He supported Red Cross, March of Dimes as Chairman, Cedar Rapids Art Museum, Polk Elementary School, & Cedar Hills Boys & Girls Softball.
Ray also assisted George Patrick with University of Iowa’s wrestling stats
Ray was an avid reader, especially about genealogy. One of his hidden talents was handwriting analysis. Ray said that ability assisted in his business. He enjoyed volleyball and snow skiing in his early years. After retirement, Ray spent his time with Daphney; fishing, fly tying in his own fishing shop in his basement; and watching college football, primarily Nebraska Cornhuskers. Ray participated in several organizations: Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks; the Order of United Commercial Travelers (UCT) of America; Sertoma; and DeMolays, Masons (32 ◦), & Shriners.
Ray is survived by his three children; grandchildren: Joette Pierce & James (Melanie) Pierce; and great-grandchildren, all of Marion, IA; one surviving brother: Guy Kohl (York, NE); and lots of extended family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Manchester Fish Hatchery to the “Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund”.
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