Willis (Bill) John Kohlhagen

Willis (Bill) John Kohlhagen, age 95, of Gainesville, GA was taken by the Lord to join his loving wife, Sandy, of 54 years of happy marriage on November 22, 2021.  She preceded him in death February 5, 2004.  Bill was born June 1, 1926 in Dubuque, Iowa.  He and Sandy raised their family in Monroe & Madison, WI and then retired to North Fort Myers, FL.

Bill served his country during World War II enlisting in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and served in the Pacific Region.  After the war, Bill continued to serve in the military in both civil (National Guard) and active (US Army) service for the next 40 years.  He retired in 1986 attaining the rank of CWO4.

Bill is survived by his two sons, Steven (Lynn) Kohlhagen of Talking Rock GA, Dan (Kathy) Kohlhagen of Palmetto, FL, and one daughter, Linda (Jerome) Boerner of Townville, SC. He is also survived by 5 wonderful grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Bill was never very forthcoming regarding his time in the service.  He seriously downplayed his involvement in the war, but given the fact that he stepped-up to the challenge given his age (17), says a lot about his character.   We believe his generation had more courage, integrity and fortitude than most and he will be missed.

No memorial service is planned and Bill will be laid to rest at Oakland Cemetery in Freeport, IL.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel Gainesville, Georgia

For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com