Terry Kohler, CEO of Sheboygan-based Windway Capital Corporation, the parent corporation of Vollrath Company, died Tuesday. He was 82.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Terry Kohler,” says Vollrath’s president and CEO Paul Bartelt. “As a former company president and chairman of the board of directors, his accomplishments were many. More importantly though, was his commitment to communities throughout the world. Although a large portion of his commitments came in the form of anonymous giving, he has supported many worthwhile causes ranging from education to conservation. We offer our prayers to his family and friends at such a difficult time.”
Kohler, the great-great grandson of company founder Jacob J. Vollrath, began his full-time association with the Vollrath Company 1963. He became the company’s seventh president in 1976. He would later serve as chairman of the Vollrath board of directors. In 1989, he transitioned to president and chairman of the board for Windway Capital Corporation. He remained a member of the Windway board until a few months ago.
“Terry’s guidance and freedom that he provided enabled the Vollrath Company to achieve great accomplishments over the years,” Bartelt says. “The Kohler family has a well-planned succession process that will play out over the next few months. The plan will ensure the company’s future as a family-controlled, privately-held company.”
He is survived by his wife Mary Kohler; three daughters, Leslie, Michelle and Danielle Kohler; four stepchildren, Charlie, Doug and Chris Ferrell, and Joseph Simpson; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.
