He was known as "Mr. Oktoberfest" to those who loved him most. Two presidents wrote him to express gratitude for creating an event at which music and beer gave local charities a reason to dance.Klaus Kohl, founder of the Cape Coral German American Club's popular Oktoberfest event, died Thursday night at HealthPark Medical Center after falling recently and slipping into a coma. He was 71.Kohl's death came on the eve of the start of the event he created 25 years ago."Klaus literally saved the German club with Oktoberfest, the only money-making thing the club has," said his good friend, Dick Kalfus. "This was his whole life." After 24 years of watching his passion unfold before his eyes, Kohl's absence today when the gates open at 4 p.m., the first polka is played and the first beer poured is significant for the club. "It takes the glow off of it," said Paul Mills, event chairman. "For the members and volunteers, it takes the enthusiasm out of it."Kohl's creation grew from a modest, two-day event in 1986 attended by 10,000 to a six-day, big tent spectacular embraced by an estimated 33,000. "Let's have a good time in his honor," Lee County Commissioner John Manning said to about 150 people during a kickoff party Wednesday. Kohl and his golf cart were fixtures on the grounds. He weaved in and out of those wearing lederhosen and around the piles of kegs, selling tickets for prizes. "The little things that guy did," Mills said. Members will miss hearing Kohl's trademark line, "I can't hear you," at the start of any speech. He followed with, "Now, everybody drink up." A German native, Kohl founded Tri-County Blue Print & Supply Co. in Fort Myers. His son runs the business now. Kohl lived in Cape Coral with his wife, Teresa. Kalfus said he met Kohl 25 years ago when he moved to Cape Coral and was persuaded to help with the event. "He organized the whole thing. He kept a fire under everybody, all the volunteers," Kalfus said. "He worked like hell." Kalfus said Kohl started the event because "he thought it was important to celebrate the German heritage and saw an opportunity at the German club because of its size and scope." Oktoberfest has raised about $250,000 for local charities in the past 10 years. Mills said Kohl was his tutor when he took over three years ago. "He was mostly a common-sense, straight-forward guy who wanted to give the people what they wanted," Mills said. "If he didn't like something one year, he would get rid of it." Mills said Kohl was his tutor when he took over three years "He was mostly a common-sense, straight-forward guy who wanted to give the people what they wanted," Mills said. "If he didn't like something one year, he would get rid of it."
Although Kohl was a scotch drinker, Mills said he was always "looking to get good beers in here ... darks, lights, wheat, Oktoberfest beers."
Kohl was honored by county commissioners last year when Jan. 13 was deemed "Klaus Kohl and German American Social Club of Cape Coral Day."
Leaders from across the state and country sent letters of appreciation, including a former President Bill Clinton. "Your effort to promote the Oktoberfest celebration in Lee County has brought valuable recognition and services to the area," Clinton wrote to Kohl. The event was recognized by President George H.W. Bush in 1992.
"I would like to congratulate you on your charity work for such wonderful organizations as the Dr. Piper Senior Centers, the Lee County Alliance for the Arts and the Edison Regional Blood Centers," Bush wrote.
Klaus Kohl, 71, of Cape Coral, FL passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2010. He was born on December 28, 1938 in Koblenz, Germany to Werner and Irene Cron Kohl. Mr. Kohl came to the United States in 1956. Mr. Kohl was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the U.S. Army. He moved to Cape Coral in 1982. Mr. Kohl was the founder of Tri-County Blue Print & Supply Company in Ft. Myers a company his children continue to operate. Mr. Kohl was the founder of the Cape Coral German American Club’s Oktoberfest 25 years ago. He was known as “Mr. Oktoberfest” He was honored last year when January 13th was deemed “Klaus Kohl and German American Social Club of Cape Coral Day” He was past president and current member of the Circus Saints & Sinners Clubs of America and past president and cofounder of the United German American Society (UGAS). Mr. Kohl was recognized for his community service by President George H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton.
Mr. Kohl is survived by his loving family including his wife of 15 years, Teresa Kohl; children, Erich Kohl of Ft. Myers, Sherry Kay Koch of Cape Coral, and Rebecca (Dwayne) Mendenhall of Cape Coral; grandchildren, Heidi Kohl and Cole Koch; brother, Peter (Marge) Kohl; sister, Christel Winters. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his first wife, Joyce Kohl and son-in-law, Doug Koch. Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com to share in his life story and to leave online thoughts and memories for his family.
A celebration of his life will be at 1:00pm on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at the German American Social Club, 2101 SW Pine Island Rd
Cape Coral, FL 33991, (239) 283-1400.
The family suggests memorial donations in his memory be made to Hope Hospice, 2430 Diplomat Parkway East, Cape Coral, FL 33909. Arrangements are by Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery, Cape Coral.
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