Joseph Louis Hohler

Joseph L. Hohler, 95, of Kalamazoo passed away Friday May 3, 2024 at Kairos Dwelling, with his wife by his side. 

Joseph was born December 6, 1928 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri the son of Henry and Gladys (Herbst) Hohler.

Joseph retired from the production department at National Water Lift, where he worked for 36 years.  He built the soft landing gear of the Surveyor Ship for the first moon landing.  After retiring his wife Dorothy joined his love of golfing, and they enjoyed golfing together for 30 years.  He was a member of St. Augustine Cathedral and formerly St. Mary Catholic Church where he was active with Bingo, the Men’s Club, and assisted with many funeral luncheons.  He attended church daily for years. 

Joseph has helped roof and build houses with friends and family.  He maintained a huge garden and spent time canning to feed his family. 

Joseph moved into his latest home in 2002.  While there he organized potlucks, helped with the fall leaf pick up, and coffee and rolls.  He liked napping outside, telling stories, visiting with friends and neighbors, and petting neighbor’s dogs that would stop by.

He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and fishing with his sons, as well as the annual fish and frog leg fry and family reunion.  He loved his grandchildren and holding babies.

On December 30, 1950 in Illmo, Missouri he married Dorothy (Lindner) Hohler who survives. Also surviving are seven of his sons, Thomas (Nancy) Hohler, Paul Hohler, Steven (Karen) Hohler, Richard (Julie) Hohler, James (Maureen) Hohler, John (Melanie) Hohler, Michael (Tia) Hohler; and four daughters, Alice (John Danielson) Hohler, Sharon (Randy) Wilson, Susan (Steven) Bradford, Laura (Jason) Nieboer; Daughter-in-law Jacqueline Hohler.  Also surviving are three sisters Delores Dowling, Ann Moyers, Rebecca Rushin; 38 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Joseph was preceded in death by two sons, Joseph Hohler, Jr, William Hohler; three sisters, Rosemary Algood, Barbara Hamilton, Judy Miller; two brothers, John Hohler, Gene Hohler.

Friends will be received Monday, May 6, 2024 from 6-8 pm at Parchment Redmond Funeral Home where a Rosary will be recited at 6 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Augustine Cathedral, Tuesday May 7, 2024 at 10 am with Fr. Robert F. Creagan officiating, followed by a luncheon. Private family interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kalamazoo.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kairos Dwelling or St. Augustine Cathedral.