A Strong Connection
It wasn’t the family business, but family itself. From epic family adventures to holiday celebrations to just spending time together, Herb Kohler took great pride in his family. He never pressured his three children, Laura, Rachel and David to follow in his footsteps – he encouraged them to follow their own dreams. The fact that those dreams eventually led them to leadership roles at Kohler Co. and to entrepreneurial endeavors is testament to his quiet inspiration. From decades of working at his side, he imbued in them his work ethic, an enduring love of company and community, and a drive to live a life of purpose and impact.
He welcomed spouses, Steve, Mark and Nina into the family fold and relished time with them and his ten grandchildren, Ashley, Lily, Hannah, Mara, Sam, Lena, Jack, Rachel, Tait, and Leo and his three great grandchildren, Ophelia, Herbert and Uma. He shared his zest for life, making sure time with Papa was never dull with rafting, fishing and hunting or just remote adventuring frequent activities. As time went on, he applauded their accomplishments in person or afar, eager to hear about their passions and encourage a life of independence.
Dream, Challenge, And Inspire
A Special Partnership
Herb and Natalie Black married in 1988 and remained partners in life and business for nearly 35 years. Their love for each other was deep and abiding. Together they shared many passions. In business, Natalie in her role as General Counsel and Communications Leader, worked with Herb on many of Kohler’s earliest acquisitions that grew the business in scale and global scope and also partnered to build the industry’s leading brand through innovative, thought-provoking advertising. They traveled the world on many memorable adventures, shared a love of horses and carriage riding, and a commitment to bringing art and artists into communities for all to enjoy. A great day out of the office was being at their home on the shores of Lake Michigan, watching college football or challenging each other in a backgammon game. And, of course, playing with their occasionally obedient dog Chella.
A Special Partnership
Herb and Natalie Black married in 1988 and remained partners in life and business for nearly 35 years. Their love for each other was deep and abiding. Together they shared many passions. In business, Natalie in her role as General Counsel and Communications Leader, worked with Herb on many of Kohler’s earliest acquisitions that grew the business in scale and global scope and also partnered to build the industry’s leading brand through innovative, thought-provoking advertising. They traveled the world on many memorable adventures, shared a love of horses and carriage riding, and a commitment to bringing art and artists into communities for all to enjoy. A great day out of the office was being at their home on the shores of Lake Michigan, watching college football or challenging each other in a backgammon game. And, of course, playing with their occasionally obedient dog Chella.
Passion is so important in being a productive human being and living up to your inherent capability. If it isn’t there, life can become a real drag.”
– Herb Kohler
Following in Big Footsteps
Herb’s parents, Ruth DeYoung Kohler and Herbert V. Kohler, Sr., left lasting impacts and set high standards, clearly something that played a role in Herb’s development in his early years.
Ruth was driven, creative, and talented. She was a celebrated journalist, historian, and champion of women’s rights. She authored several books and worked for the Chicago Tribune and WGN radio in Chicago and was recognized for her civic contributions and her pioneering leadership in women’s clubs and associations throughout the Midwest. Her passion for diversity, equality, and preservation is well-documented.
Herb, Sr. was an iron-willed and tenacious corporate leader who help navigate the company through one of the longest strikes in U.S. labor history. His business acumen and principled leadership set the foundation and initiated the company’s growth in the late 1950s and 1960s. Both Herb, Sr., and Ruth, in addition to their extraordinary business talents, had creative hobbies of painting and writing which no doubt influenced their son, Herb, Jr.’s interests, as he learned to appreciate this type of creativity throughout his life.
Following in Big Footsteps
Herb’s parents, Ruth DeYoung Kohler and Herbert V. Kohler, Sr., left lasting impacts and set high standards, clearly something that played a role in Herb’s development in his early years.
Ruth was driven, creative, and talented. She was a celebrated journalist, historian, and champion of women’s rights. She authored several books and worked for the Chicago Tribune and WGN radio in Chicago and was recognized for her civic contributions and her pioneering leadership in women’s clubs and associations throughout the Midwest. Her passion for diversity, equality, and preservation is well-documented.
Herb, Sr. was an iron-willed and tenacious corporate leader who help navigate the company through one of the longest strikes in U.S. labor history. His business acumen and principled leadership set the foundation and initiated the company’s growth in the late 1950s and 1960s. Both Herb, Sr., and Ruth, in addition to their extraordinary business talents, had creative hobbies of painting and writing which no doubt influenced their son, Herb, Jr.’s interests, as he learned to appreciate this type of creativity throughout his life.
Herb's Siblings Ruth & Frederic
Herb Kohler was the eldest of three siblings, followed by his sister Ruth and brother Frederic.
Warm-hearted and friendly with a wonderful sense of humor, Ruth DeYoung Kohler (1941-2020) dedicated her life to the arts and social change. Through her decades-long work and leadership of the internationally renowned John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Kohler Foundation Inc., Ruth believed passionately that the arts, in all its iterations, reveal who we are as a people: past, present and future. She was a tireless champion of under-recognized artists and art forms, and artist-built environments became a focus of Ruth’s attention. She saw the arts as a driver of positive social change, upholding the pillars of diversity, inclusiveness and community involvement.
A voracious learner, Frederic Cornell Kohler (1943-1998) was a proud American citizen, and possessed a lifelong interest in history, psychology and sports. In particular, Frederic was fascinated by the office of the president of the United States and made frequent visits to the White House. He was proud of his visit to Ellis Island and deeply respected the values the island symbolized – where his grandfather, John Michael Kohler, had entered the U.S. along with millions of other immigrants. He was the Kohler High Blue Bombers number-one fan and enjoyed attending basketball games and other sporting events.
Herb's Siblings Ruth & Frederic
Herb Kohler was the eldest of three siblings, followed by his sister Ruth and brother Frederic.
Warm-hearted and friendly with a wonderful sense of humor, Ruth DeYoung Kohler (1941-2020) dedicated her life to the arts and social change. Through her decades-long work and leadership of the internationally renowned John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Kohler Foundation Inc., Ruth believed passionately that the arts, in all its iterations, reveal who we are as a people: past, present and future. She was a tireless champion of under-recognized artists and art forms, and artist-built environments became a focus of Ruth’s attention. She saw the arts as a driver of positive social change, upholding the pillars of diversity, inclusiveness and community involvement.
A voracious learner, Frederic Cornell Kohler (1943-1998) was a proud American citizen, and possessed a lifelong interest in history, psychology and sports. In particular, Frederic was fascinated by the office of the president of the United States and made frequent visits to the White House. He was proud of his visit to Ellis Island and deeply respected the values the island symbolized – where his grandfather, John Michael Kohler, had entered the U.S. along with millions of other immigrants. He was the Kohler High Blue Bombers number-one fan and enjoyed attending basketball games and other sporting events.