Henry John Kohnlein
December 19, 1937 ~ October 21, 2023
Born in:
Linden, New Jersey
Resided in:
Pueblo West, Colorado
Henry John Kohnlein, 86, of Pueblo, Colorado, and former resident of Point Pleasant, N.J., died on October 21, 2023. Henry was born in Linden, NJ, and only child, to Henry and Elizabeth (Schmiegal) Kohnlein. Henry was an only child but he often considered Raymond Ostarticki his brother and his family was proud and privileged to have an Uncle Ray and Aunt Patty. Henry was married to Ann (Peluso) Kohnlein for 56 years and is survived by his daughter Karen (Kohnlein) Charpentier (Andrew), his sons Henry M. Kohnlein (Lora), and Brian C. Kohnlein. Henry’s wife and baby daughter, Jennifer, predeceased him. Henry is also survived by his four grandchildren, Aric Kohnlein, Sierra Kohnlein, Henry D. Kohnlein, and Patrick Kohnlein. Henry was a 1st generation American and despite only speaking German when he entered kindergarten, Henry’s accomplishments were many. Henry served proudly and honorably as a member of the 8th Trooper Squadron, USAF, for 4 years. He began a legendary flooring store, Carpet Isle, located on the old Laurelton Circle in Bricktown, NJ, for decades. After that, he successfully ran Ft. Bellefonte Campground, in Bellefonte PA, and became a rabid Penn State fan. He ‘bumped” into Coach Paterno more than once at the physician’s office. It is rumored that he convinced Coach Paterno to pass more than 15 times a game. Upon retirement, he moved to Colorado to enjoy the West with his grandchildren. Henry was very proud of his service to Troop 16, BSA, and his service to local government. Henry was an “oldies” music fan and was a unique person with an indomitable character. What Chuck Norris is to toughness, Henry was to determination. Nothing could alter Henry from his course of action or speaking his mind. Stubborn even gave up trying to outlast him. So, as to best describe Henry, its best to use some lyrics. This author cannot write a description of Henry any more accurate or eloquent than Frank Sinatra:
Yes, there were times I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself then he has naught
Not to say the things that he truly feels
And not the words of someone who kneels
Let the record show I took all the blows and did it my way
From his family, we will quote Nat King Cole:
Unforgettable, that’s what you are
Unforgettable, though near or far
Like a song of love that clings to me
How the thought of you does things to me
Never before has someone been more
Unforgettable in every way
Henry is now at peace and most importantly, with his wife, Ann, with love from Karen, Henry, Brian, Aric, Sierra, Duggan and Patrick and all his extended family (Peluso). A service will be held at Ocean County Memorial Park, 1722 Silverton Rd, Toms River, NJ on November 17 at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences at www.MontgomerySteward.com
Dearest Henry and Lora, Duggan and Patrick – I am sincerely sorry for the loss of your dad and grandpa. You were very fortunate to come from such a special family who loved and cared so much about you as you grew up into the fine men you are now. Please know the Kelly family sends their love and care to you, now and always! xooxoxoxoxooxoxox