Jack Kohne

Jack Kohne was one of the millions of babies born during the "great depression". While his parents struggled financially, he grew up in a happy home. He was surrounded by a loving extended family. He was a precocious child who would find a lot of things to get into, much to the chagrin of his mother.

He started first grade in a one-room school house outside of Haxtun, Colorado. The name of it was Pumpkin Vine School. It was at this time in his life, his mother would often walk out in the field and shoot a rabbit or pheasant for dinner. She taught him how to shoot. This caused him some discomfort when he was in Marine boot camp. His drill sergeant didn't believe that his mother had taught him how to shoot.

In 1951, Jack graduated from Englewood High School. The Korean war was raging and Jack's draft number was coming soon. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in December 1951. He served in Japan, and was in and out of MASH units delivering supplies, etc. He seldom talked about it.

After his discharge, he attended Western State College on the G.I. Bill. After graduating, he began his career in education. He taught earth science and boy's P.E. He coached 8th and 9th grade football. He loved his job.

Jack met Rosemary in 1960 and told her he was going to marry her on the very night they met. They married 3 years later after she graduated from college. Jack also earned a Master's degree in Psychology Counseling and Guidance in 1966.

Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Kurt and Craig. He was a wonderful father and he adored his sons. Over the years he coached soccer, baseball, basketball in their little league games. He also taught them how to play many different card games. Life was never dull.

He loved to golf, bowl, play baseball and fish, He was a diehard fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jack is survived by his wife Rosemary Kohne, son and daughter-in-law Craig and Malinda Kohne. He is preceded in death by his parents, John "Big Jack" Kohne and Eunice M. Kohne, his son, Kurt Kohne, and his brother, Gary G. Kohne.

Jack and Rosemary would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 15th. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack's name can be sent to Toys For Tots, sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps.