Jerome J. “Jerry” Kohl, 95, passed away on August 23, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Jerry was born in Nora, Nebraska, to Jerome and Genevieve Kohl. Outgoing and personable, Jerry had a gift for fitting into just about any situation. He always had a story to tell, a helping hand to offer, and, perhaps most importantly, a determination to never give up. His “never give up” spirit was one of the many qualities his family admired and loved most about him.
Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Navy. During his military service, he received numerous honors and commendations, including the Navy Good Conduct Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, three Armed Forces Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, and a Sharpshooter Medal.
Following his military service, Jerry devoted more than 30 years to education as a teacher at Lincoln East High School. His passion for hands-on learning led him to create educational programs in auto mechanics and industrial arts, giving generations of students valuable skills and knowledge they could carry throughout their lives. Jerry also played an important role in helping establish the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Larsen Tractor Museum, combining his love of mechanics with his commitment to education and preserving history.
Jerry never seemed to lose his curiosity or his desire to stay busy. He loved working on cars and motorcycles, woodworking, and fixing just about anything that needed fixing. He even earned his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying small planes. If something was broken, Jerry was likely to see it not as a problem, but as something waiting to be figured out.
His willingness to help extended well beyond his family and career. Jerry was a longtime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and generously gave his time to his community. He volunteered as a train driver at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and remained involved with the UNL Larsen Tractor Museum. Whether teaching a student, repairing something, volunteering his time, or simply sharing one of his many stories, Jerry enjoyed connecting with the people around him.
Jerry will be remembered as a devoted family man, educator, veteran, storyteller, problem-solver, and friend. His outgoing personality allowed him to feel at home wherever life took him, and his determination carried him through challenges with a spirit that inspired those who knew him. His family will especially remember the example he set: never give up, keep going, and find a way to make things work.
Jerry is survived by his children, Lori Kohl Lamer, Julie Kohl Batterman, and Jeff Kohl; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Sam, John, and Kate; great-grandchildren, Alianna, Emmett, and Maxim; as well as many other relatives, friends, former students, and members of the community whose lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kay; brother, Wally; sister, Nancy; and granddaughter, Molly.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3825 Wildbriar Lane, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church. A reception and burial will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Larsen Tractor Museum or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Jerry’s memory.
I served with Jerry in the Naval Reserves 1984-1990. We had limited training resources at the Lincoln Reserve Center for those of us in the engineering rates. Jerry was a Chief Petty Officer at that time and made arrangements so that we could go to his auto shop at East High on Saturday morning of drill weekends. He would provide a session on some related topic plus let us bring in some home project to work on. Chief Kohl was always looking for ways to help his shipmates!
Second to my father, Mr. Kohl was the major influence in my career path. Had him for multiple years at East High auto shops and felt like a million bucks when he had me rebuild the engine in his Corvair my senior year. Years later my youngest comes home from school at East and says he had an old guy who was really good as a sub in shop class, struggles with the name and I say “Mr. Kohl?”, he says that’s it. Made my day and he got an ear full of Mr. Kohl stories.
Thanks for the learning Jerry.
“Mr. Kohl” did, in fact, have a life long effect on me, and many other students at East High. He taught us more than just mechanics, but also about life. He was a great story teller, and always loved telling a good joke. Whenever I ran in to him, he was always willing to talk about what I had been up to, and what he was into at the time. I will always have fond memories of him. He will be missed.
Working with Jerry at East High for decades was a pleasure and honor. The teaching skill and connecting with students has been talked about over and over but he was a funny man and prankster. We pulled funny stunts and pranks often and in good nature on each other and our colleagues. His dedication to the school and to automotive technology education was never more evident than when he came out of retirement to teach full time when then current auto teacher was deployed to Iraq for Operation Enduring Freedom for nearly an entire year! He will be greatly missed.
Jerry was a wonderful wonderful teacher and such inspiration to me and my mechanical abilities. I would run into him at different events and we would always have a great chat for a bit. I have and do use him, his and my stories in my everyday relationships with sons, and coworkers for giggles or real life learning events. My condolences to the Kohl family’s and may “Mr Kohls” great teaching, fun, and humorous soul rest in peace until we meet again.
I had Mr Kohl in the early 80s he was a very good teacher. He like to tell us storys . The class tried to get him to tell us how to hot wire a car. He told us he once told his class in an Omaha school he was teaching on a Friday . He said on Monday half his class was in jail.
It is with sadness and sympathy that we lean of Jerry’s passing. He was a man who carried on his parents values, my aunt Jen and Uncle Jerome
Mr. Kohl was my wood working at East High in the 70’s. I loved him. What a great guy! Lori, I’m sorry for the loss of your Dad. Such a good teacher.
Mr. Kohl and his great teaching style was the only thing that kept me in high school. Rest in peace your life did make a difference on this earth!
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Jerry for many many years at East High School. His dedication to his students, hands on education, and to always having time to tell a good story or offer a it of advice with humor was so appreciated. He always had time to listen or help no matter what the project or event.
My heartfelt sympathy in the loss of a truly great person, educator, father and friend.