Mr. Willie B. Kohlheim Sr.

Willie B. Kohlheim, Sr. was born September 21, 1937 to Lillie Mae McCoy and Hugh Kohlheim in Saltillo, Mississippi. In his youth, he was a jokester who enjoyed playing baseball, riding his beloved horse Mary and driving the town's school bus. He shared a special relationship with his older sister, often teasing her and forbidding her to wear his pants. He received the nick- name Boudge from his great uncle. Through the years Boudge evolved into Butch, by which he was affectionately known. Willie received his formal education in the Lee County School District, at- tending Kolhom Chapel Grade School and Poplar Junior High School in Saltillo. In his youth, Willie attended Kolhom Chapel Church with his mother. While he never formally joined a church, as an adult he visited several. Throughout his illness and even on his deathbed, Willie professed "God Is Good!" He recognized that while in his pain, hurt and despair God was yet faithful and controlled his destiny. Willie B. Kohlheim was united in holy matrimony with Bessie B. King on June 15, 1964 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A beautifully dedicated and committed couple, Willie and Bessie were the epitome oflove and happi- ness. Theirs was a testament to the staying power of a strong, healthy relationship built on love, friendship, respect and trust. In their younger days, they devoted their time and energy to raising their five children. Willie took pride in being able to provide and take care of his family. As they grew older together, Willie and Bessie basked in the glory of enjoying each other's company. You would frequently see them together sitting on the porch en- joying summer days or watching one of their favorite television programs - from the Price is Right to Wheel of Fortune to the latest basketball game ... The goal was simply being together. As so many African Americans did in that era, Willie migrated from the south in the late 1950s in search of a better life. He first went to Dayton, Ohio and soon thereafter came to Milwaukee, Wiscon:sin to live with his sister and serve as an in-house babysitter. He found work as a dish washer at several area restaurants and after meeting and marrying the love of his life, he began a longstanding ca- reer at Jaeger Bakery. Willie was the consummate professional; friendly.-cour- teous and loved by everyone. He worked as a machine operator and retired from Jaeger in 2002. A quiet storm, in his leisure time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and watching sports. He had a great appreciation for and especially enjoyed learning about and working on cars, a love that he developed in his youth and passed on to his children. Willie was a self-taught mechanic and welcomed the challenge of figuring out any car problem. Willie B. Kohlheim, Sr. departed this life on May 22, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillie Mae McCoy-Herring and Hugh Kohlheim; his son Lionel Kohlheim, Sr. and his brother-in-law Mitchell Carter. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of nearly 49 years Bessie Kohlheim; children Lynn Cook, Sandy (Kenny) Lewis, Willie Kohlheim, Jr. and Keith Sr. (Ronda) Kohlheim. His three sisters, Udotsy Spears of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Margaret Carter of Chicago, Illinois and Vir- ginia (Will) Moore of Kokomo, Indiana. He will be especially missed by his 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Mr. Willie B. Kohlheim Sr.

September 21, 1937 - May 22, 2013