L.E. Kohl — Bienhoff Funeral Home

L.E. Kohl, age 90, of Vandalia, MO, passed away on January 2, 2025. He was born on September 24, 1934, in Vandalia, the son of J.W. and Julia Branstetter Kohl. L.E. married Rowena Motley on August 16, 1953, in Vandalia, and she preceded him in death on January 4, 2022.
L.E. was a hard-working man who gave generously to others and was meticulous in everything he did. He had a warm smile and a firm handshake for everyone he met. He spent his life focused on improving everything he touched, from his mentorship of many to cleaning up farms, building roads, and improving soil conservation. He was a master farmer, a steward of the land, and an expert real estate agent and developer. Good enough was seldom good enough. If he did it, he did it right, and all with his beloved wife, Rowena, by his side.
LE lived most of his long life in Vandalia, though he and Rowena lived and worked in Michigan for 20 years before returning home. He was a Methodist by faith and an active member of the community, the Vandalia BPM Club, the Rual Morris Foundation, and many other civic projects. Still, his greatest joy was the time he spent with his family and friends.
Survivors include five children: Johnny (Debbie) Kohl of Columbia, Annette (Ronnie Carr) Kohl of Vandalia, Elaine (Rick) Jackson of Galatia, IL, Kim (Devon) Daniels of Auxvasse, and Mark (Peggy) Kohl of Kirkwood, eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, one brother Bill (Carol) Kohl of Vandalia and one sister-in-law Ann Kohl of Vandalia, along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and one brother, Fredrick Lee Kohl.
Pallbearers will be Wyatt Beckler, Victor Daniels, Connor Kohl, Gwen Daniels, Hannah Jackson, and Ashley Bowers. Honorary pallbearers will be Lucas Kohl, Kylie Kohl and Brendan Daniels.
Funeral services for Louis E. “L.E.” Kohl will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Bienhoff Funeral Home in Vandalia with pastor Randy McDonald officiating. Burial will follow in the Vandalia Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Eastern Missouri Family YMCA, Vandalia Area Historical Society or the Alzheimer’s Association in care of Bienhoff Funeral Home, PO Box 54 Vandalia, MO 63382. Online condolences may be made at www.bienhofffuneralhome.com.