Sidney “Sid” Kohlenberg passed away October 20, 2016 at the age of 91.
(AD): Kohlenberg served as a US Navy photographer during WWII. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as Photographer Mate First Class. In 1946, he became sole owner of Hein Electric Supply, and served as President of Hein Electric Supply until 1990.
Kohlenberg built Hein Electric Supply on a foundation of customer service, quality products, and the values of honesty and integrity. People always came first. He proved daily that everyone within the organization or connected to it, including employees, their families, the vendors, and the customers, had a vital role in the company’s success. It is these core values that continue to resonate throughout the culture of Hein Electric Supply.
“What makes our people so special? When you have salespeople who are courteous, know the products, and above all, are genuinely concerned with your needs—that’s special. When you have office people who greet you with a happy voice, expedite your orders, and answer all of your questions as if you were the only person on earth—that’s special. And finally, when you have purchasing people who have the “very” thing you wanted in stock or know where to get it for you quickly—that’s special. We would like to supply you with our products, of course, but it’s our special people of whom we are most proud.” – Mr. Sid Kohlenberg, 1969.
He was the beloved husband for 68 years of Edith/Shirley Kohlenberg (nee Zitzer); cherished father of Ronald (Pamela) Kohlenberg, the late Elayne Kohlenberg, the late Sharon Goldman (Larry), Linda Irwin, Gary (Mary) Kohlenberg and Louise (Rock) Feldman. Loving grandfather of Rachel (Matt) Hintz, Alexa Kohlenberg, Ettel (Binyamin) Kaplan, Julia and Sharlotte Irwin, Ean, Rebecca and Evan Kohlenberg, Stacy Feldman and Sam Goldman. Dear brother of Robert (Mavis) Kohlenberg, Dorothy Arenzon, and David (Elizabeth) Kohlenberg. Further survived by many nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.
Kohlenberg enjoyed boating and fishing and was a founder of The Great Lakes Sports Fisherman Club. He enjoyed listening to jazz and later in life learned how to play the piano. Photography was a passion of his; having a studio and darkroom in the basement and taking portraits of his family for all occasions. In his 80’s he took up digital photography. He loved spending time with his family, especially in Door County, Wisconsin. Kohlenberg was an avid ham radio operator and during the Vietnam conflict connected soldiers on The Sanctuary, a hospital ship, with their families.
Kohlenberg was member of Score and B’nai B’rith as well as being a Mason. He had a warm heart and smile and a wonderful sense of humor. A graveside service was held on October 23.
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