Wisconsin Governor. His formal education stopped at the age of 15 when he persuaded his father to hire him full-time in the family Kohler Company business. He eventually headed a prosperous company selling iron, plumbing products and enamelware. During World War I, the company shifted to production of war materials, with sales offices in four major American cities and in London. Being highly active in civic affairs and Republican Party politics, in 1929 he was elected as a Republican the 26th Wisconsin Governor, serving until 1931. As governor, his legislature eliminated a deficit estimated at $3.5 million, streamlined state bureaucracy, built roads and state parks, and kept taxes low. After leaving office, he remained on the board of directors of the Kohler Company until his death. His son Walter Jodok Kohler Jr. was the 33rd Governor of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Governor. His formal education stopped at the age of 15 when he persuaded his father to hire him full-time in the family Kohler Company business. He eventually headed a prosperous company selling iron, plumbing products and enamelware. During World War I, the company shifted to production of war materials, with sales offices in four major American cities and in London. Being highly active in civic affairs and Republican Party politics, in 1929 he was elected as a Republican the 26th Wisconsin Governor, serving until 1931. As governor, his legislature eliminated a deficit estimated at $3.5 million, streamlined state bureaucracy, built roads and state parks, and kept taxes low. After leaving office, he remained on the board of directors of the Kohler Company until his death. His son Walter Jodok Kohler Jr. was the 33rd Governor of Wisconsin.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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