Richard Kohner

Richard J. Kohner, age 84, passed away peacefully in Winona, MN on Friday, April 30, 2021.

He was born on March 25, 1937, in Winona, Minnesota, to Leonard and Margaret Kohner. Rich was a 1955 graduate of Winona Cotter High School.  Richard was a veteran that served in the Air Force as a Flight Mechanic earning an Honorable Discharge in 1960.

He married Dianne Thiele on April 18, 1959. They were together for 61 years until her passing in June of 2020.

Following his years in the service, he worked at Warner Swasey/Badger Construction Equipment as a Parts Manager for 32 years.  Following his retirement Richard worked delivery at the Motor Parts store and a driver for the VA.

Richard enjoyed working on his cars, spending time at home embarking on home improvement projects, and taking drives with Dianne.  Richard was a good storyteller and spent many hours sharing his stories about old Winona and his time in the service with anyone who would listen, including his wonderful home caregivers at Home Instead.

Richard was preceded in death by wife Dianne and son Timothy.  He is survived a son Steve (Camille) and daughter Claire (Karen); 6 grandsons, Caleb (Shanise), Lucas, Jacob, Phillip, Davian and Jerome. Richard was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He will be missed by many and remembered forever.

There will be a graveside service, which will be open to the public, at 1 PM on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona, MN. For those wishing to attend, please meet at the north entrance of the cemetery by the National Guard Armory by 12:55 PM.

Please direct all gifts to the Fisher House, 5045 East 54th St., Minneapolis, MN 55417 - www.fisherhouse.org

Online condolences or memories may be left for Richard’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.