Walter J. Kohler Jr. | |
---|---|
33rd Governor of Wisconsin | |
In office January 1, 1951 – January 7, 1957 |
|
Lieutenant |
George M. Smith Warren P. Knowles |
Preceded by | Oscar Rennebohm |
Succeeded by | Vernon Thomson |
Personal details | |
Born |
Walter Jodok Kohler Jr. April 4, 1904 Kohler, Wisconsin |
Died | March 21, 1976 Sheboygan, Wisconsin |
(aged 71)
Political party | Republican |
Spouse(s) | Celeste Holden Charlotte McAleer |
Children | Terry Jodok Kohler Charlotte Nicolette Kohler |
Alma mater | Yale University |
Profession | Businessman |
Walter Jodok Kohler Jr. (April 4, 1904 – March 21, 1976) was a member of the Kohler family of Wisconsin and was the 33rd Governor of Wisconsin, serving three terms from 1951 to 1957. He was a leading figure in state and national Republican Party activities. His role in the clash between Senator Joseph R. McCarthy and presidential candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1952 has interested historians for decades. Kohler was for many years a sales executive at the Kohler Company and served as president at The Vollrath Company. He was also a distinguished Naval officer in World War II. He had two children - a son, Terry Jodok Kohler, and daughter, Charlotte Nicolette Kohler.
Kohler's father, Walter J. Kohler Sr., was Governor of Wisconsin from 1929 to 1931. His son Terry Kohler ran for governor in 1982 against Anthony Earl, but lost.
Walter Jodok Kohler Jr. was born on April 4, 1904 on his family's lavish estate in Kohler, Wisconsin. His grandfather, John Michael Kohler had founded the Kohler Company in the late 19th century, and his father, Walter J. Kohler Sr. (1875–1940), was active in his family's plumbing supply business and served one term as the State's Republican governor (1929–31). Walter Jr.'s mother was the former Henrietta "Lottie" Schroeder (1869–1947), and he had three brothers: John Michael Kohler III (1902–68), Carl James (1905–60), and Robert Eugene (1908–90).