Mary Lou Kohnle

Mrs. Mary Lou Kohnle, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024, in Woodstock, Georgia. Born on September 24, 1930, in Dayton, Ohio, Mary Lou was the beloved daughter of Leo and Katherine Schuler, who had recently immigrated from Germany. At the age of three, she moved with her family to Columbus, Ohio.

Mary Lou's educational journey began at Corpus Christi Grade School and continued at St. Joseph's Academy for Girls. At Ohio State University, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Fine Arts. Remaining a lifelong supporter of the OSU Buckeyes football team, Mary Lou carried her school spirit throughout her life with pride and enthusiasm.

In 1952 Mary Lou married the young man who grew up across the street from her, Chris Kohnle. They went on a long cross country road trip for their honeymoon and came home to Columbus and settled down. Together they started their own business in Columbus, Kohnle Dental Lab. Chris made dentures and crowns and Mom did the bookkeeping. They were devoted to each other, and their family. They enjoyed travelling but especially trips to the beach. When her husband of 49 years passed away, her daughter Christy built a beautiful apartment in her home and Mary Lou moved to Woodstock Georgia in 2002. Mary Lou called it her tree house, because of the spectacular view. She spent 22 happy years in Georgia living and visiting with her grandchildren.

For a brief time, Mary Lou taught Home Economics at St. Joseph Academy. After dedicating some years to raising her beloved children, she explored the world of floral design, working for Burwell's and The Occasion Flowers in Columbus, Ohio. It was during her time at The Occasion that she discovered her passion for calligraphy. This newfound love led Mary Lou to establish her own calligraphy business, where she created exquisite freelance art for individuals, businesses, and her circle of friends and family. Her creative spirit shone through in each piece, and she continued to craft beautiful cards almost until her final days.

Mary Lou was an avid gardener, which led her to join and eventually preside over the Leawood Garden Club. Her talent for creating stunning floral arrangements was only matched by her dedication to calligraphic excellence. Mary Lou attended calligraphy workshops and conferences, joining calligraphy guilds in Columbus and later in Atlanta. She served as the Librarian for the Atlanta Guild, contributing her organizational skills and artistic knowledge to the community.

Bridge was another of Mary Lou's joys. She was an enthusiastic player, forming lasting friendships over the card table in Columbus and later in Woodstock. She cherished her bridge groups in both cities, playing with vigor and wit until the end.

Mary Lou's life was filled with laughter, creativity, and love. She is predeceased by her husband, Christian (Chris) James Kohnle, and leaves behind a legacy through her children: Katy (Rick) Burge of Alpharetta, Georgia; Andy Kohnle of Las Vegas, Nevada; Christy (Rob) Wynn of Woodstock, Georgia; and Tony (Christy) Kohnle of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. She was the proud grandmother to Ricky (Chris), Mary Kay (Michael) , John (Katelin), James , Will (Sara), Nicole (Kyle), Michael, Carly, Lauren, Erin, and Christian. Her great-grandchildren William, Ivy, Natalie, Miles, Rick, Layla, Rhett, Paul, and Cooper will miss her deeply.

Those who knew her will remember her as a woman of grace, humor, and immense talent. Her memory will continue to inspire and bring smiles to the faces of all who had the pleasure of crossing her path.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at St. Michael the Archangel in Woodstock.