William Kohler, Jr, 94, Dickinson, died on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at his home with family by his side. A Mass of Christian Burial for Bill “2 dollar Bill” will be at 10 a.m., Monday, February 23, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Justin Waltz as celebrant and Fr. Keith Streifel and Msgr. Thomas Richter as con-celebrants. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Rosary and Vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Ross Reiter presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Monday.
William “Bill,” son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, was born May 20, 1931, on the family farm near Almont. He was the first child born to William and Magdalena Kohler. Bill started his adult life in Richey, MT working on the Beery Ranch when he was drafted into the Army. He proudly served as a paratrooper in the United States Army and fought on the front lines during the Korean War. He was on the frontlines when the cease-fire was declared. He returned to the Beery Ranch after the war.
On August 28, 1956, Bill married Irene Kubas at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson. Bill and Irene went to Wahpeton, where Bill received his degree in Electronics. He was employed as a Police Officer during his time in Wahpeton. They returned to Dickinson where he became employed by KDIX as Chief Engineer. It was a challenging time when Bill grew up, therefore he had to leave school to help on the family farm and was unable to finish school. With his success and accomplishments in his lifetime he recently was awarded his high school diploma in January 2026 from Glen Ullin High School.
Bill began his own business in 1962 as Kohler Communications and Sound Service. He also started Kohler Communications in Williston in 1982. He serviced local and surrounding public services, various companies, farmers, and ranchers, and provided the sound system for various events. Home on the Range was always his favorite event.
Bill and Irene enjoyed the outdoors, camping on the weekends at Lake Sakakawea with family and friends. He enjoyed traveling overseas, visiting Medjugorje, Lourdes, Fatima, and the Holy Land several times. The Holy Land made a lasting impact on him. Traveling through Europe and skied the Swiss Alps. Bill eventually renewed his interest in horses and became a Beef Country Rider, where he made many great friends. His favorite past time was attending auctions.
He belonged to several organizations such as the Knights of Columbus 6308, German Hungarian Club, St. Anthony Club, Eagles Club, VFW and the American Legion in Apache Junction, AZ. Bill attended mass daily, was an Usher at St Joseph’s Church, and volunteered at the Nursing Homes. Bill found his greatest joy in handing out two-dollar bills, but the smiles from the children meant the most to him.
Bill leaves behind his six children, Dennis (Kathy) Kohler, Gary (Cheryl) Kohler, Dickinson, Doug (Bobbie) Kohler, Brad Kohler, Williston, Debbie Kohler, and Sandy (Raymond) Sand, Jr., Dickinson; six grandchildren, Dustin (Cassie) Kohler, Bismarck, Mike Kohler, Denver CO., Shanda (Ryan) Harstad, Matt (Shelby) Kohler, Williston, Jamie (Hayley) Kohler, Fargo, Jacie Kohler, Plymouth, MN; and ten great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his siblings, Shirley (Russ) Staiger, Bismarck, Tom (Marsha) Kohler, Glen Ullin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his best friend and wife Irene of 56 years, parents, brothers, Gene, John, and Jim Kohler, and sisters, Lavonne Kohler, Lorraine Rambousek, and Arlene Hord.
Bill’s faith in God was extraordinarily strong and has been instilled in his family and those he met. He was so compassionate to everyone. If you have received a two-dollar bill, would you be so kind as to say a prayer for him and his family?