Walter J. Kohler, Sr.

Walter Jodok Kohler Sr., (March 3, 1875April 21, 1940) was an American businessman and politician from the Kohler family of Wisconsin. He was an innovative and highly successful Wisconsin industrialist. The Kohler Company was founded by his father, John Michael Kohler. Walter Kohler served as the company's president from 1905 to 1937. Walter Kohler was elected the 26th governor of Wisconsin as a Republican, serving one term from 1929 to 1931. A moderate, pro-business Republican who admired Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover, Kohler sparred with the left and right of his party before and during the Great Depression. His son, Walter J. Kohler Jr., also served as governor, from 1951 to 1957. Personal life Walter Kohler was born on March 3, 1875, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the third of six children born to industrialist and civic leader John Michael Kohler II (1844–1900) and his wife, the former Lillie Vollrath (1848–1883). John Michael headed a prosperous company selling iron and plumbing products, as well as enamelware. Lillie's father was a wealthy local businessman in the same general field. The Kohlers and the Vollraths have enjoyed close family and business relations to this day. Walter grew up in the family's home in Sheboygan. His formal education stopped at the eighth grade when at age 15 he persuaded his father to hire him full-time in the company business.