SHEBOYGAN – Natalie Black Kohler, former Kohler Co. executive and widow of Herbert V. Kohler Jr., passed away in her home Sept. 10. She was 74.
An obituary from the company said she had a “gregarious demeanor, infectious smile, sharp wit, and cunning sense of humor” and left “an indelible impact” on the people with whom she interacted.
“She will be remembered as a passionate and purposeful individual, an unwavering and persistent businesswoman, and a devoted partner,” the obituary read.
During Natalie’s 33-year tenure with the company, she served as general counsel and lead of the communications team, bringing the brand to larger recognition. Her lasting imprint includes the “As I See It” ad campaigns; the “Most Remembered Exhibit Booth” at Kitchen & Bath Show; the Kohler Design Center; and “The Beacon” global communications headquarters.
“Within a few years, KOHLER ascended to the top and has never looked back,” the obituary read. “Much of that achievement and domination was due to Natalie’s dogged determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and keen intuition.”
She was inducted into the Wisconsin Advertising Hall of Fame in 2019 along with husband Herbert V. Kohler Jr., who passed away Sept. 3, 2022, at the age of 83. They married in early 1988.
“Partners in business, in life, and in philanthropy, they were rarely apart and enjoyed seeing the world together, traveling frequently and seeking thrilling adventures,” the obituary said. “Matched in will, wit, and charm, Natalie and Herbert’s time together was larger-than-life. Their families will remember their spirits, like their innumerable personal and professional achievements, as irrevocably and affectionately entwined.”
Natalie was born Dec. 19, 1949, in Bakersfield, California. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and mathematics from Stanford University in 1972. She graduated from Marquette University Law School in 1978 and the Harvard Business School’s Program for Management Development in 1982.
After working at Milwaukee-based Quarles & Brady law firm for three years, she joined Kohler Co.’s legal department in 1981.
Beyond Natalie’s company contributions, her philanthropic focuses included providing funding to the Sheboygan County Food Bank, Sheboygan County Humane Society and Sheboygan Public Education Foundation.
She served on the company’s board of directors from 1987 to 2022 and was the president of the Kohler Foundation from 1998 to 2022. She was active on other professional and nonprofit organization boards at different times in her life, including the Sheboygan County YMCA, Milwaukee Ballet Company, Medical College of Wisconsin, Johnson Controls board of directors and Marquette University board of trustees.
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Natalie’s interests included reading, which she channeled into the creation of the Black Spring Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on literacy, education, hunger and animal welfare.
A website about Natalie’s life will be available soon, according to a news release. A private service will be held at Woodland Cemetery in Kohler. Donations can be made in her name to the Black Spring Foundation or Sheboygan County Food Bank instead of flowers.
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This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Natalie Black Kohler, former Kohler Co. executive and Herbert V. Kohler Jr.’s widow, dies
