Philip “Phil” M. Kohne, age 73, passed away on April 25, 2026, at St Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. Phil was born on February 13, 1953, to the late Warren G. and Betty J. (Hopfensperger) Kohne. He was brought up in Kaukauna with his three siblings. Phil achieved an honorable mention for high school wresting. Phil graduated from Kaukauna High School and went on to attend Fox Valley Tech where he earned a drafting certificate. Phil began work at Badger Northland as a draftsman, and after leaving in 1984, he began his career at the Kimberly Post Office. He retired from the Post Office in 2018 following 30 years of service.

Phil met Kay Niesz while in high school. Phil was immediately smitten and would casually follow her home from school or wait near her locker to be able to say hello. They married in 1974 and began a family and Mike and Laura arrived on the scene. Phil was the ultimate dad. He coached, observed, supported and always worked behind the scenes to make sure his children knew how he valued them.

Phil had a natural gift of gab. He would talk to anyone, anywhere. His motto truly was to make friends wherever he went-for those not in the know, he would make a friend of someone, even if they weren’t sure they wanted a friend. He was a master storyteller and always had a story to share. He also used that natural gift while serving as Kaukauna City Alderman for 18 years.

Ever competitive, Phil loved all manner of Wisconsin Sports. He loved to wear his sports apparel, and often sported outfits representing the Brewers, Badgers, and Packers-sometimes all in one day (or one outfit!). His competitive streak stretched to playing cards with his friends, putting puzzles together and colleting stray golf balls from his backyard.

Phil’s grandchildren were the light of his life. In fact, his golf ball collecting was a task they shared so they could “earn money” to do fun outings with Grandpa. He loved to do road trips and adventures with his grandkids. He also loved road trips with friends and enjoyed planning adventures for his family.

Phil is survived by his wife Kay, his children: Mike (Andrea), Laura (Cory) Schoonover, grandchildren: Jackson and Sophia; granddog Stella. He is further survived by his sister Pat Kohne, brother Perry Kohne as well as many card-playing friends, neighbors, other friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Pam (Bob) Kaftanski.

Help us celebrate Phil! Please wear your favorite casual apparel to the visitation(s) and service! We would love to see a sea of Wisconsin Sports Color.

There will be a visitation on Thursday May 7, 2026, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, at Wichmann Funeral Home-Fargo Chapel, 400 W Wisconsin Ave, Kaukauna.

A memorial service for Phil will take place on Friday May 8, 2026, at 12:00am at Bethany Lutheran Church, 124 W 10th Street, Kaukauna. Friends and family may gather at the church from 10:00am until the service begins.