Herbert Kohler, Jr. & family: Herbert Kohler, Jr. & family Net Worth, Biography, Age, Spouse, Children & More

About Herbert Kohler, Jr. & family

Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. (1939-2022), an influential American billionaire and former executive chairman of Kohler Company, passed away in Kohler, Wisconsin, at 83. Born to Ruth Miriam DeYoung Kohler and Herbert Vollrath Kohler Sr., he attended Choate School and Yale University, where he earned a degree in Industrial Administration before dedicating his career to the Kohler Company from 1965, ascending to CEO by 1972. Under his leadership, the company broadened into golf courses and resorts, leaving a lasting legacy with contributions like the $20 million Kohler Environmental Center at Choate Rosemary Hall for sustainability education. Kohler, having been married twice and a father to three, was also known for his passion for Morgan horses and his significant roles in various halls of fame including the National Kitchen and Bath, National Housing, and Junior Achievement U.S. Business Halls of Fame. His remarkable life reflected a dedication to business innovation, environmental stewardship, and the world of golf.

Born

February 20, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois, US

Died

September 03, 2022 (aged 83)

Source Of Wealth

Plumbing Fixtures

Industries

Manufacturing

Citizenship

United States

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Yale University

Spouse

Linda Karger (Married: 1961, divorced), Natalie Black

Children

3, including David

Parent

Ruth DeYoung Kohler, Herbert Vollrath Kohler Sr.

Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. was born in 1939 to Ruth Miriam DeYoung Kohler and Herbert Vollrath Kohler Sr. in Kohler, Wisconsin. He grew up in a wealthy family known for their successful plumbing fixture company, Kohler Company.

Herbert Kohler, Jr. & family: Family

Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. married Linda Karger in 1961, and they had three children together. The couple later divorced. His second wife was Natalie Black, who joined Kohler Company as a lawyer and rose to senior positions.

Herbert Kohler, Jr. & family: Career Highlights

After graduating from Yale University with a degree in Industrial Administration, Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. joined Kohler Company full-time in 1965. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the CEO of the company in 1972 at the age of 33. Under his leadership, Kohler Company expanded into golf courses and resorts, transforming it into a global leader in the industry.

Herbert Kohler, Jr. & family: Companies

Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. was the executive chairman of Kohler Company, a privately held American manufacturing company founded by his great-grandfather, John Michael Kohler, in 1873. The company is known for its plumbing products, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, engines, and generators.

Herbert Kohler, Jr. & family: Major Achievements

Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. led Kohler Company to become a global leader in the plumbing and kitchen and bath industry. He also played a significant role in the development of golf courses and resorts, including Whistling Straits, which hosted major golf tournaments.

Herbert Kohler, Jr. & family: Awards & Achievements

Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. was inducted into the National Kitchen and Bath Hall of Fame, National Housing Hall of Fame, and Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame. He received numerous awards for his contributions to the business and golf industries.

Herbert Kohler, Jr. & family: Personal Life & Legacy

Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. was known for his passion for golf and horse breeding.

He owned and operated four golf courses designed by Pete Dye and owned a breeding facility for Morgan horses. He also made a cameo appearance in the film "Open Range" (2003) directed by his friend Kevin Costner.

Herbert Kohler, Jr. & family: Trivia

Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. donated $20 million to build the Kohler Environmental Center at Choate Rosemary Hall, focused on sustainability and environmental education. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 83 in Kohler, Wisconsin.

Wealth History

Timeline

1939

Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. was born to Ruth Miriam DeYoung Kohler and Herbert Vollrath Kohler Sr.

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Graduated from Choate School.

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Graduated from Yale University with a degree in Industrial Administration.

1965

Joined Kohler Company full-time.

1972

Became CEO of Kohler Company at the age of 33.

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Led the company's expansion into golf courses and resorts.

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Inducted into the National Kitchen and Bath Hall of Fame.

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Inducted into the National Housing Hall of Fame.

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Inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame.

2015

Stepped down as CEO of Kohler Company, passing the title to his son David Kohler.

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Owned and operated four golf courses designed by Pete Dye, including Whistling Straits, which hosted major golf tournaments.

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Purchased Hamilton Hall, now known as Hamilton Grand.

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Owned the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland.

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Donated $20 million to build the Kohler Environmental Center at Choate Rosemary Hall, focused on sustainability and environmental education.

1961

Married Linda Karger, had three children, and later divorced.

2003

Appeared in the film "Open Range" directed by his friend Kevin Costner.

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Second wife was Natalie Black, who joined Kohler Company as a lawyer and rose to senior positions.

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Owned a breeding facility for Morgan horses and bred many Morgan horses.

2022

Passed away at the age of 83 in Kohler, Wisconsin.

Herbert Kohler, Jr. & family : FAQs

What is Herbert Kohler, Jr.'s net worth?

As of 2022, Herbert Kohler, Jr.'s net worth was $8.80 billion.

What are Herbert Kohler, Jr.'s main sources of wealth?

Herbert Kohler, Jr.'s main source of income comes from Plumbing Fixtures.

In which industry does Herbert Kohler, Jr. primarily operate?

Herbert Kohler, Jr. is primarily involved in the Manufacturing industry.

What is Herbert Kohler, Jr. educational background?

Herbert Kohler, Jr. holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Yale University.

Is Herbert Kohler, Jr. dead?

Yes, Herbert Kohler, Jr. died on September 03, 2022 (aged 83).

How many children does Herbert Kohler, Jr. have?

Herbert Kohler, Jr. has 3 children.

Who was Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. and what was he known for?

Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. was an American billionaire businessman and executive chairman of the Kohler Company, known for leading the company's expansion and owning renowned golf courses and resorts.

How did Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. contribute to the golf industry?

He owned and operated four golf courses designed by Pete Dye, including Whistling Straits, and played a significant role in the golf industry by hosting major tournaments.

What significant contributions did Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. make towards environmental education?

Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. donated $20 million to build the Kohler Environmental Center at Choate Rosemary Hall, emphasizing sustainability and environmental education.

Can you tell us about Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr.'s involvement in the film industry?

Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. made a notable appearance in the film 'Open Range' (2003) directed by his friend Kevin Costner.

What legacy did Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. leave behind in terms of family and business?

He passed the CEO title to his son David Kohler in 2015, leaving a legacy of leadership within Kohler Company, alongside contributions to various industries and environmental education.