Eileen Joyce Kohlman

Eileen Kohlman, age 96, of Appleton, passed away Tuesday morning, May 9, 2023, in Appleton Area Health-Care Center. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2023, at Zniewski Funeral Home-Vaala Chapel in Appleton. Visitation will resume from 9-10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Shible Township. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pastor Donald Klatt will officiate.

Eileen Joyce (Hanson) Kohlman was born to parents William and Emma (Wiese) Hanson, on June 18, 1926, in Lac Qui Parle County, Louisburg, Minnesota. She was baptized by Rev. Belgum at Louisburg Lutheran Church on July 25, 1926. When Eileen was the age of two weeks, her mother died, leaving the neighbors and her father to care for her, until she went to live with an aunt, Helen Anderson, William’s sister. At the age of two years, Eileen came back home to be cared for by a housekeeper, who later became her stepmother.

Eileen attended grade school in Louisburg through the 6 ^th grade. When the family moved to the Drywood area, she finished her elementary schooling there. On November 5, 1939, she was confirmed by Pastor N. C. Renslo, at Drywood Lutheran Church. Eileen graduated from Appleton High School in 1944. Along with her sister Dorothy, and later her sister Lucille, Eileen sang duets for special occasions, and was a choir member at their church.

On June 25, 1945, Eileen and Arthur “Sonny” Kohlman were united in holy matrimony at Drywood Lutheran Church. To this union five children were born: Judith, Dennis, Ronald, Becky, and Kelly. For 20 years Arthur and Eileen farmed in the Drywood area, after which time, they sold their farm and bought a 2-acre site, still in the Drywood area. Eileen was chief care giver to Sonny when he suffered kidney failure. For 10 years she drove him to dialysis in Willmar, and later Morris 3 times a week, no matter the weather. She modeled the meaning of loyalty in her care for her husband. Sonny and Eileen were married for 53 years.

Eileen, along with her husband, and various other helpers throughout the years, did exterior and interior painting for hire. She also spent many weekends helping with the Joe Fox Catering business. Eileen went into the housecleaning business with a sister-in-law, and she continued in that vocation to the age of 89 when the need for a pacemaker, and her family’s insistence, made her consider her limitations. Eileen enjoyed her flowers, and also making quilts for the church and for her beloved family. Her family looked forward to receiving personalized quilts at the milestones of life, such as weddings and new babies. In later years, she enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and an occasional jig saw puzzle. She was active in her church, holding many offices in the Ladies Aid, taught Sunday School for many years, and also conducted the Shible church choir. In her “retirement” years, Eileen volunteered at the local thrift store “Home to Home”. Her hands were rarely idle.

Eileen found delight in her children, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great- great grandchildren. Her family cherished her gentle ways and her strong Christian faith. She spent time with the Lord every morning reading her Bible and devotions. She was truly the family matriarch, demonstrating how to live by her example of living the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Blessed be her memory.

Eileen is survived by children: Judy Kohlman of Montevideo MN, Dennis (Vicki) Kohlman of Appleton MN, Ronald (Pat) Kohlman of O’Neill NE, Becky (Neal) Block of Ortonville MN, Kelly (Lorene) Kohlman of Baxter MN; grandchildren: Kay Erickson, Bruce (Vonnie) Erickson, Michael (Carol) Kohlman, Michelle (James) Vortherms, Amanda (Dan) Modrow, Rachel Kohlman, Christina (Dustin) Watson, Aaron (Sandy) Kohlman, Jacob (Harleigh) Kohlman, Joel (Jan) Block, Erik (Holly) Block, Lee Block (Krissy), Ryan Kohlman, Heather (Chris) Olson, Jenna Kohlman; numerous great- grandchildren; a multitude of great- great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by husband Arthur; parents, William and Emma; stepmother Helma; mother and father-in-law Henry and Martha Kohlman; siblings: baby Kenneth Hanson, Dorothy Hanson, Leland Hanson, Wesley Hanson, Harvey Hanson, Lucille (Hanson) Grover; brothers-in-law: Edwin “Shorty” Kohlman, Earl Grover, Clarence Olson; sisters-in-law: Mabel (Kohlman) Anderson, Esther (Kohlman) Olson, Fern (Kohlman) Paulson, Rose Hanson, Diane Hanson, Eleanor Hanson; nephews: Randy and Christopher Hanson, David Hanson, Harvey Anderson; nieces: baby Beverly Grover, Deloris Anderson, Marion Anderson; daughter-in-law, Judy (Riste) Kohlman; former in-laws: Bonnie (Schlieman) Kohlman, Tom Erickson; grandchildren: baby Sarah Kohlman, Ryan Holzheimer, Katie Kohlman; great- great granddaughter, baby Swayzee Greenlee.