Eugene Otto Kohlman, 85, Minot and formerly of Anamoose, died Saturday, December 6, 2014 in Trinity Hospital, Minot.

Eugene was born to Otto and Esther (Smestad) Kohlman in Bismarck, ND on March 31, 1929. He was raised on a farm near Funston, ND, north of Anamoose. Eugene graduated with honors from Anamoose High School in 1947, where he was very active in extra-curricular activities including football, basketball and track. He excelled in high hurdles and won numerous awards at the local and state levels. He also enjoyed participating in numerous high school plays.

Eugene married Evelyn Irene Erickson on September 2, 1950 in Murdock, MN. Their marriage lasted over 50 years and produced four children. Irene, as she was known and loved, preceded him in death on December 15, 2001.

Eugene attended Minot State College, graduating magna cum laude, in 1954. He earned his Master's Degree from the University of North Dakota in 1961. While attending Minot State College, Eugene served as local president of both the Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Societies, and also served as an officer in the Minot State College Honor Society. He was an active member of Mu Sigma Tau Fraternity and was a representative to the International Peace Gardens Conference in 1954. He was also included in "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities."

Eugene served 42 years in the field of education as a teacher, head librarian, principal and assistant principal. He began his teaching career in rural schools in the Anamoose-Drake area. He was principal and teacher in Goodrich and Westhope in the mid 1950's. He spent 32 years as an educator serving the Minot Public Schools, with the majority of the latter years at Jefferson Elementary School. As a teacher, he received numerous awards, as well as scholarships to continue his education.

He was president of the North Dakota Department of Elementary Schools Principals; president and vice-president of several local Parent Teacher Associations and was subsequently awarded an Honorary PTA Life Membership for outstanding and notable contributions to youth. Eugene was an active member of the National Education Association, the North Dakota Education Association, the Minot Education Association and the Minot Math and Reading Association. He was a member of the Elks, Eagles and Moose Lodges. At one time he was a Sunday school teacher, and served on numerous committees at Christ Lutheran Church. He retired from the education field in 1993.

Until Irene's death in 2001, they enjoyed their retirement years traveling, sightseeing, and visiting friends and relatives. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his children and friends. He always enjoyed going to the movies, summer trips with the family, playing with his grandchildren, and making campfires on the farm, where he grew up. Following the 2011 Souris River Flood, when he lost nearly all of his possessions, his health declined due to a series of small setbacks. He still enjoyed receiving letters and phone calls from friends and relatives, and reminiscing about days gone by. He was very thankful for all the help he received to rebuild his house, which allowed him to spend his remaining years at home.

He is survived by his four children: Kevin (Christine) Kohlman, Kendall Kohlman of Granville/Minot, Kristen (William, Jr.) Buono, of Chula Vista CA, and Kipton (Jean) Kohlman of Dickinson/ Minot; grandchildren: Marissa, William III (Christina), Nicholas, Danielle (Christopher), Lynzie and great-grandchildren: Zoey, Matthew and Kyler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Esther, wife, Irene and granddaughter Charity Mae.

Celebration of the Life of Eugene Kohlman: Friday, December 12, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation: Thursday, December 11, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church, Minot and the Minot Public School Foundation.