Michael R. Kohorst

Michael R. Kohorst, 65, of Van Wert, died Wednesday, September 4, 2013, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima following an extended illness.

He was born March 16, 1948, in Lima, the son of Dorothy M. (Becker) Kohorst, who survives in Van Wert, and the late Carl S. Kohorst. On January 17, 1970, he married Cynthia (Young) Kohorst, who survives in Van Wert.

Other survivors include a daughter, Mandy (William) Hemming of Bowling Green; one son, Justin Kohorst of Van Wert; three grandchildren, Gianna, Elena and Caleb Hemming; one sister, Beth (Ron) Goleman of Van Wert; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and one uncle.

His grandparents, Roy and Helen (Keller) Becker and Frank and Ehel (Harris) Kohorst, also preceded him in death.

Upon graduation from Van Wert High School, Mike attended Bowling Green State University, where he was a member of the Falcon Marching Band. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 9, 1967, and completed basic training in Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Chicago, Ill., with the designation of fireman apprentice. He was also a member of the base band and Blue Jacket Choir.

While in the Navy, Mike served two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his first tour, he was stationed aboard the USS Cogswell DD 651 as part of the Mekong Delta Riverine Force (brown water navy) in the South China Sea and Gulf of Tonkin. During his second tour of duty, he was stationed aboard the USS Bainbridge DLGN 25 in Australia. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on December 22, 1970. He was also a member of American Legion Post 178 and the local Disabled American Veterans unit.

Mike enjoyed visiting family, reading, watching movies, listening to music and driving. A true sailor at heart, he loved to take to the waters on Rose Lake and spent time there fishing and driving the boat.

Mike was also a volunteer with Van Wert County Special Olympics for 18 years, where he served as a chaperone, softball coach and board member.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 11, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert, with graveside military rites performed by the combined honors units of Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, also in Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 10, and an hour prior to services Wednesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Van Wert Special Olympics or to the family.