Donald Joseph Kohlman, 73, passed away October 20th, 2008 at St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, resided in Eagle River for the last eight years. The son of Bernard and Gertrude (Anders) Kohlman, Donald was born December 20th 1934 in Fond du Lac.

Upon completion of High School, he served two years in the armed forces. He was employed and retired from Giddings and Lewis, and owned and operated Sport Shop II in Fond du Lac.

On November 22nd 1958 he married Patricia Sievert at St.  Mary’s Church. Together they had seven children, Greg (Julie), Ruth (Mike) Smet, Paul, Jackie (Scott) Acheson, PJ (Lisa), Jim (Becky), and John (Andrea), ten grandchildren, Jake Kohlman, Ryan and Hannah Smet, Dylan and Karissa Kohlman, Lindsay, Conrad and Tyler Acheson, and Christian and Jordan Kohlman. He is further survived by one brother, Larry (Bernice) Kohlman, a sister, Mary Ann (Rick) Volz, a sister-in-law, Mary Jo Hicken, and by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was an avid sportsman, but his true passion was Hockey. For over 55 years he gave us his talent and time as a player, coach, manager, and builder of the game. Donald was one of the original founding members of the Blue-Line Hockey Club, and an active member of the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association and USA Hockey. Donald was a founder of the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame and was inducted in 1977. He was named “Man of the Year” by USA Hockey in 2006. He was often referred to as “Mr. Hockey”.

“He will truly be missed by his family, friends and the hockey community.”

Visitation: Visitation will be held on Thursday October 23rd, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at the Zacherl Funeral Home.

Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday 11:00 AM at Holy Family Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 93 Marquette St., Fond du Lac. There will be no visitation on Friday. Entombment will be in the Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.  Donations to this memorial may be directed to Patricia Kohlman, P.O. Box 1509, Eagle River, WI  54521.

	Pat and Family, My elderly father and I met Don and Pat just a month ago when Don took the tim... (more) Sweeney Family, Massachusetts
	The hockey community is saddened by the death of Don. He was a stalwart. Don was a team player and s... (more) Peter Lindberg VP USA Hockey
	Don was a great man who dedicated his heart and soul to the sport of hockey. He truly was Mr Hockey ... (more) Joe, Jennifer, Keegan, and Parker Reinhart
	Our sincerest condolensces to the Kohlman Family. Wisconsin Hockey has lost a great man and a pionee... (more) Sheboygan Lakers Hockey Association
	My thoughts and prayers are with the whole Kohlman family. Always remember the great love he had for... (more) A Friend
	Our deepest sympathy to the Kohlman family. Don will me cherished in our hearts forever.... (more) Scott Bengel & Family
	My deepest sympathy to the Kohlman family. Don will truly be missed by everyone that knew him and l... (more) Roxanne Bengel
	Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time of sadness and remembrance. We will miss... (more) Northwest Designs

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