Remembering Herbert Kohler Jr.

Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. died on September 3 in Kohler, Wis. (pop. 2,016) at the age of 83. His contributions were many. As chief executive of Kohler Company — responsible for the porcelain throne on which you’re likely reading this — he steered the corporation from a multimillion-dollar business in 1972 to a multibillion-dollar empire in 2015, the year he retired. From bathroom fixtures to energy and engines, Kohler is involved the world over. While a talented man, a hellion in his youth, and a shrewd negotiator, perhaps Herb’s greatest contribution was in golf.

I and my hometown of Sheboygan (pop. 48,153) — the union town from which much of Kohler’s labor came — have much to be grateful for. Were it not for Herb’s development of such world-renowned courses as Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, the PGA and Ryder Cup would never have considered Wisconsin’s coastline for their fabulous and lucrative tournaments. Amusingly, he beat out former president Donald J. Trump in acquiring Hamilton Hall, a property that has views of the 18th green of the Old Course at historic St. Andrews — now some of the most exclusive flats in Scotland. He arrived at golf late in life but left an indelible mark upon the landscape of its most storied tournaments and courses.

About the Author

Luther Ray Abel

Luther Ray Abel is an Associate Editor for National Review. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Luther is a proud native of Sheboygan, Wis.

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Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. died on September 3 in Kohler, Wis. (pop. 2,016) at the age of 83. His contributions were many. As chief executive of Kohler Company — responsible for the porcelain throne on which you’re likely reading this — he steered the corporation from a multimillion-dollar business in 1972 to a multibillion-dollar empire in 2015, the year he retired. From bathroom fixtures to energy and engines, Kohler is involved the world over. While a talented man, a hellion in his youth, and a shrewd negotiator, perhaps Herb’s greatest contribution was in golf.

I and my hometown of Sheboygan (pop. 48,153) — the union town from which much of Kohler’s labor came — have much to be grateful for. Were it not for Herb’s development of such world-renowned courses as Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, the PGA and Ryder Cup would never have considered Wisconsin’s coastline for their fabulous and lucrative tournaments. Amusingly, he beat out former president Donald J. Trump in acquiring Hamilton Hall, a property that has views of the 18th green of the Old Course at historic St. Andrews — now some of the most exclusive flats in Scotland. He arrived at golf late in life but left an indelible mark upon the landscape of its most storied tournaments and courses.