Milton Kohn

Milton Henry Kohn, age 85, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Jenkin’s Living Center in Watertown, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Visitation will be on Friday, February 2, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the church and continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Fr. Gary DeRouchey will be the celebrant. Music will be provided by Bobbi Jo Meyer, organist, Madeline Devine and Loran Radamacher, soloists, and the St. Lawrence Choir.

Casket bearers will be Justin Kohn, Tanner Kohn, Corey Neilan, Danielle Neilan, Adam Applehof, Nathan Schlueter, and Rodney Smith. Honorary Bearers will be Milton’s nieces and nephews.

Milton was born in the family home in Marvin, SD, to Edward and Hattie (Warternbee) Kohn on March 10, 1932. He recounted, that due to the large family and small home, some of the younger children slept in cribs hung from the ceiling. Most likely he was one of them, as he was the second youngest of eight siblings. As a child, he attended rural school at Osceola #5 until the eighth grade. He attended college at the State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND.

In Milton’s youth to make money, he trapped mink, muskrat, weasel and skunk for their hides. The money was saved and used to install a milking machine for his father whose hands were going numb from milking cows by hand. Milton then joined the Army in 1955 serving as a corporal. Milton served in the Korean Conflict in 1955. He was an Integrated Fire Control Specialist at the Stazauke Air Force Base in Japan. Due to changing the types of guns being used, Milton was granted an early discharge on Christmas Eve the following year.

Upon returning home to the family farm, Milton, his father, and a friend built the first indoor bathroom for his mother in Marvin. They did so by taking down another old home and recycling the materials. Their indoor bathroom created jealousy and stirred others to install indoor plumbing as well.

Soon after, Milton met and married the “love of his life”, Bethel Tuchscherer. They were married at St. Lawrence Catholic Church and remained faithful members until their passing. Milton worked closely with the priests and monks from Blue Cloud Abbey housing the bees on his farm. He shared his harvesting and wood working techniques with them.

Early in their marriage, they moved to Wahpeton, ND, so Milton could attend college. After graduation, they moved to Ivanhoe, MN, where Milton worked for the Ivanhoe Times, the local newspaper. Milton’s enjoyment of journalism continued when they returned to Marvin, as he would repair the presses at the Wilmot Enterprise. Milton and Bethel returned to the family farm to raise their children and spend the rest of their lives together.

Milton loved spending time in the fresh air and sunshine. He liked hunting, farming, and caring for the crops and animals on the farm, as they were a large part of his life.

Cherishing his memory are his children: Allen (Kathy) Kohn of Milbank, SD, David (Inge) Kohn of Spearfish, SD, Lisa Kohn of Little Falls, MN, Theresa (Danny) Neilan, of Watertown, SD, and Richard (Becky) Kohn of Watertown, SD; his grandchildren: Kristin (Adam) Appelhof, Jasmine (Nathan) Schlueter, Justin Kohn (Malinda Thiele), Tanner Kohn, Brent Neilan (Serene Reinholz), Corey Neilan (Julie Smith), and Danielle Neilan; his great-grandchildren: Issac and Jace Schlueter, Braelin and Ashlin Appelhof, and Annabeth Kohn; “Bonus” children Milton embraced: Tammy, Dustin (Marisa), Kristin (Ashton), Brandon, Trent, Kaylee, Ian, Leah, Dallas, Owen; one brother, Harry Kohn; two sisters: Helen Glaspey and Mildred Lawson; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents: Edward and Hattie Kohn, wife, Bethel, brothers: Omar Kohn, and Paul Kohn; and sisters: Mavis Neilson and Phyllis Smith.