Milton Edward Kohler

Milton Edward Kohler

July 13th, 1939 – February 18^th, 2019

Milton Edward Kohler left us to be with our Lord on February 18^th, 2019.  He was surrounded by family and friends during his final days.  He was 79 years old.

Milton (III) is pre-deceased by his beloved wife Teresa of 55 years, and his second born son Michael Edward as well as his sisters Roberta and Donna.  He is survived by his four children: Milton Anthony (IV); Jeffrey Joseph; Karen Ann; Kathleen Ann; his grandchildren: Jeffrey Edward, Milton Edward (V), and Ryan Joseph; his sister Laura and many nieces and nephews.  He loved each of us uniquely.

We are all better for having him in our life, as he has always led our family by example - with strength and integrity.   He was a very kind man and a true gentleman.  He treasured the memories of his father, Milton Kohler II, who took him on many camping and fishing trips. He would remind us that the kindness he showed began with his father.  A true legacy.

Milton’s career in the transportation industry began in Ohio.  When his parents moved to Florida, he visited and got sand in his shoes just like his father.  In just a few short months, he and Teresa sold their house, packed up the family and moved to sunny Fort Lauderdale.  Here, he worked for thirty-five years in management for Terminal Transport and Consolidated Freightways and was a leader in the transportation industry.  He retired in 2002. 

Then, he and his wife spent the next decade enjoying their lifetime of hard work.  They traveled to New Orleans and revisited favorite spots in Florida, created wonderful family gatherings, relaxed at the beach and enjoyed shopping together.  They genuinely liked each other and had a forever kind of love that carried them though all the days of their lives.   Over the course of their 55 year marriage, they never stopped holding hands.

Throughout his life, Milton loved his family most and taught us that our four walls were our safe haven – both physically and figuratively.  He made us think – and question things.  He guided us so that we could learn and grow.   In our family business that supported a local Temple, he taught his us and many of our friends how to work.

Milton loved the ocean and the Florida beaches, traveled throughout the Caribbean with his wife, and was a loving and caring father and grandfather.   An insightful man, he knew a little something about everything and respected the truth that history reveals. 

Milton and Teresa hosted epic Christmas parties with all of the food catered by Teresa and her daughters.  Not once was a formal invitation sent, but for decades, our home was filled with friends and family on Christmas Eve.  This was our father’s favorite time of year!

Fun and playful, when his grandchildren were born, we would find him playing with them on the floor.  He would search high and low for the latest new toy, or take them on a drive to help them fall asleep. As they grew, he continued to guide them.

Our Dad has shown us how to live with strength, integrity and honor with his life motto to do the right thing and never, never quit!  He is the best man we have ever known and we will live our lives so that he is proud.   

Our comfort lies in knowing he is with our beautiful Mom and brilliant brother in Gods loving care.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, February 24^th, 2019 from 2 pm to 6 pm at T.M. Ralph Funeral Home at 7001 N.W.4^th Street, Plantation, FL  33317. 954.587.6888.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, February 25^th, 2019 at 10 am at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church at 200 North University Drive, Plantation, FL  33324.

We ask that you make donations in lieu of flowers to The Salvation Army, Covenant House, The American Cancer Society or Cleveland Clinic Foundation’s Florida Maroone Cancer Center.

We kindly invite you to express your thoughts; all messages will be privately forwarded to the Kohler family.

Arrangements by T. M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home