June 20, 1944 — March 22, 2026
Larry Kohls, 81, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully in his home on March 22, 2026.
Larry was born on June 20, 1944, in Morton Grove, IL, the youngest child of the late Floyd and Helene (Lorenz) Kohls. He was educated in the schools of Morton Grove and Niles, IL. Larry co-founded two highly successful full-service real estate and management companies on Chicago’s north side in the 1970s and 1980s. In addition to his real estate background, he developed the largest and most successful private flight training school in the Midwest, developed several cell phone stores for a national cell phone network, and rescued scores of businesses as a professional turnaround expert. His most recent venture/invention is Megatote, a revolutionary new way to use and manipulate tote information from any racetrack.
For the past 40 years, Larry has volunteered his energies in several different ways, including working in cooperation with hospitals, communities, and self-help groups to work with unstable, mentally ill, and/or destitute people, often criminal alcoholics and drug addicts. His talents in this area have directly and indirectly saved many lives.
A 20+ year member of the Chicago Yacht Club, Larry owned and raced “Dance II”, a 70-foot custom-designed racing sailboat. “Dance II” competed mostly in Lake Michigan, and occasionally spent winters in the West Indies, where it was chartered out of Antigua as a luxury yacht.
A terrific grandfather, Larry always pushed his grandkids to find their purpose and become the best they could be. He focused on business with Pete, philosophy and sports with Annie, and games and competitions with the younger granddaughters. He made a great effort to be involved in their lives and even welcomed their friends into their activities.
Survivors include his daughter, Carrie (Mike) Herrmann of Kenosha, and his grandchildren, Pete, Annie, Kate, Jill, and Betty Herrmann. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jimmy, and sisters Dorothy and Mary.
A graveside service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery (1850 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL 60025) on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
Kenosha Funeral Services & Crematory
8226-Sheridan Rd.
Kenosha, WI 53143
(262) 652-1943
www.kenosha-funeral-services.com
