Walter J. Kohler Jr.
Walter J. Kohler Jr. | |
|---|---|
Official portrait of Kohler as governor | |
| 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 W. Thomson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Walter Jodok Kohler Jr. April 4, 1904 Kohler, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | March 21, 1976 (aged 71) Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Resting place | Woodland Cemetery, Kohler, Wisconsin |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
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| Relations | Kohler family of Wisconsin |
| Children | 2, including Terry |
| Parent |
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| Alma mater | Yale University (BA) |
| Profession | Businessman |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Lt. Commander |
| Unit | USS Hancock (CV-19) |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | |
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 the 26th Governor of Wisconsin. His son Terry Kohler ran for governor in 1982, but was defeated by Anthony Earl.