Otto J. Kohlwey

Otto J. Kohlwey of Grafton died peacefully in the secure knowledge of Jesus on Friday, September 7th, at the age of 92 years. Otto was born on the family farm in the town of Cedarburg on August 29, 1926, to the late Otto and Emma (nee Behrens) Kohlwey. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton where he also attended elementary school. He graduated from Lutheran HIgh School of Milwaukee in 1944 and completed UW Madison Farm Short Course. He served in the US Army from 1954 - 1956. While at a dance in Milwaukee he met Ruth Riemer and they married in 1957. He owned and operated Stone-Wall Holstein Dairy farm with the help of his nephew, Karl Dehmel for many years. Summers on the farm were always busy with nieces, nephews, and neighbors helping to unload hay and preparing the 4-H cattle for showing at the Ozaukee County Fair. Many other area children also showed the farm's holsteins. Otto fondly referred to these 4-Hers as his "summer" sons and daughters. Otto later farmed in partnership with daughter Heidi then son Pete. He lost his beloved wife, Ruth, on March 9, 2012, but not before they had traveled to numerous countries on five continents. Otto enjoyed his special friendship with Delores Lueders for the past several years. Otto was involved in many organizations over the years: St. Paul Male Choir, Ozaukee County Farm Bureau, Ozaukee County Dairy Promotion Committee, Covered Bridge 4-H Club, Ozaukee 4-H Leaders Association, Milwaukee Milk Producers Board and many other organizations. Otto is survived by his four children: Heidi (Todd) Andrews, Amy Kohlwey, Peter (Gloria) Kohlwey, and Nell (Tim) Frank. Also further survived by his grandson, Cristian Gonzales, and sister-in-law, Margaret Riemer and many cherished nieces and nephews. Otto is preceded in death by his six siblings and their spouses. Funeral service will he held on Wednesday, September 12th, 2018 - 5:30 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held at the church from 3:30 - 5:15 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials to St. Paul Lutheran Church and School or the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation are appreciated.