Jonathan “Jon” William Cole passed away on May 30, 2026, at the age of 48, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Jon was born on March 21, 1978, to Pastor Jeff and Lynn (Wakeman) Cole, the second oldest of seven children. He was raised with strong values of faith, family, and service that guided him throughout his life. Jon graduated from Oshkosh West High School in 1996. He later made his home in Kohler, Wisconsin, moving there in 2001 and quickly becoming an integral part of the community he loved so deeply.
Throughout his life, Jon held many different jobs, but he found great fulfillment in his role with the Kohler School District, where he worked in Buildings and Grounds. His dedication to the school, students, and community reflected the deeply caring and dependable person he was.
Jon’s impact on the Kohler community extended far beyond his work. He was a familiar face at community events, always ready with a smile, a conversation, or a helping hand. He had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed and valued. Through coaching, mentoring, and simply taking the time to genuinely connect with others, Jon became a positive influence in the lives of countless young people. Many considered him a second father, and his home and heart were always open to those who needed support, encouragement, or simply a place to belong.
Jon shared a beautiful love story with his wife, Kelly (Schroeder), his high school sweetheart, whom he married in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in 2002. Together they built a life rooted in love, friendship, and commitment, creating a family and countless memories that will be treasured forever. Above all else, Jon was devoted to his family. He was incredibly proud of his three children, Hailey, Maddie, and Kyle, who were the center of his world and the greatest joy of his life. He celebrated their accomplishments, supported their dreams, and loved them unconditionally. Being their father was the role he cherished most.
Jon found his greatest happiness in spending time with family and friends. Whether gathered around a backyard fire, attending a sporting event, or simply enjoying each other’s company, he treasured every moment with the people he loved. He also loved being outdoors and could often be found enjoying nature, working outside, or taking in the simple beauty of a Wisconsin day. Another passion of Jon’s was searching for and collecting vintage treasures; he had an eye for finding hidden gems and loved the stories and history behind the unique items he discovered over the years.
Even throughout his illness, Jon demonstrated strength, courage, and determination, inspiring those around him with his resilience and unwavering love for his family and community. Jon will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and his ability to make everyone feel like family. He taught those around him the importance of living in every moment, appreciating the people you love, and embracing life right here, right now. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, and the community he helped strengthen through his compassion, mentorship, and genuine care for others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Jon is survived by his parents, Pastor Jeff and Lynn Cole; his loving wife, Kelly Cole; his son, Kyle Cole; and his two daughters, Hailey and Maddie Cole.
He is further survived by his sister, Jen (Ben) LaBarre; five brothers, Jason (Tera) Cole, Josh (Mindy) Cole, Jimmy (Tessa) Cole, Joe Cole, and Jake (Katie) Cole; his brother-in-law, Mike (Amy) Schroeder; mother-in-law ,Debbie Schroeder; grandmother-in-law, Shirley Hoell his nephews, Abush Cole, Jackson LaBarre, Henry Schroeder, Brady LaBarre, Blake Cole, Griffin Cole, and Brecken Cole; as well as a future baby Cole on the way.
Jon was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Phyllis Cole, grandparents William and Lois Wakeman, father-in-law, Dr. Timothy Schroeder, grandfather in law William Hoell and grandmother in law Marian Becker
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Crossroads Community Church of Sheboygan. The family will receive visitors to the church from 12:00 PM until the time of service at 3:00 PM. Burial will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jon’s memory to St. Judes children’s hospital or Alex’s lemonade stand.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the care teams at Froedtert, St. Vincent, St. Mary’s, and St. Nicholas hospitals for their compassionate care, support, and kindness. We are also deeply thankful to our community, friends, neighbors, and loved ones for their prayers, encouragement, and generosity during this difficult time. Your support has brought comfort and strength to our family and will never be forgotten.
The staff of Wenig Funeral Home in Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting the family. For online condolences and additional information, please visit www.wenigfh.com.
Comments