Harold Frank Kobin

KOBIN, HAROLD FRANK

Harold Frank Kobin, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was called to the arms of his Savior on Monday, March 3, 2008, at Appleton Medical Center. He was born to Frank and Ida Kobin on February 11, 1922, in Crandon, Wisconsin. Harold was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Crandon. He was awarded a scholarship to attend Stout Institute in Menomonie, Wisconsin. When he was a Junior there, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces where he served his country as a flight instructor for three years. Upon his honorable discharge, he resumed his studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education. During his college years he was a member of the Stout basketball team. In 1944, he married Lillian Iverson. During their marriage they were blessed with six children: Jill, Jeffrey, Terry, Mark, Peter and Billy. In 1960 his wife and infant son, Billy, were called home to their Lord and Savior during childbirth. After Harold graduated from college, he and his family moved to his hometown where he was hired as an Industrial Arts teacher. He also coached basketball, football and baseball. After six years, he was offered a teaching and coaching job at Kaukauna High School. During his years there, he coached football, cross-country, basketball and started the boys' tennis team. During Harold's years in Kaukauna, he also worked as the head of the boys' summer recreation programs and coached American Legion baseball. Through his teaching and coaching, he touched the lives of many young people. In recognition of his contributions to athletics, he was inducted into the Kaukauna Athletic Hall of Fame and the Fox Valley Tennis Hall of Fame. In 1955, he contracted Bulbar Polio which left him with paralysis, affecting his respiratory system. He was one of the few people who survived this type of polio. Because of the disability this caused, he could no longer teach Industrial Arts. He was then offered a job at Kaukauna High School as a Math teacher which he accepted and was employed there until 1978 when he was forced to retire because of his respiratory disability. In 1966, he married Barbara Zahn. In 1968, they were doubly blessed with twin daughters, Jami and Jodi. In 1981, the family moved to Appleton. While living in Kaukauna, they were members at Trinity Lutheran Church where Harold served on many church boards. When living in Appleton, they were members of Mount Olive Ev. Lutheran Church. In 1985, Harold underwent a permanent tracheotomy due to his bout with polio. In 1998, he underwent open heart surgery where he endured five bypasses. His health continued to decline until his passing. Harold is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Barbara and his seven loving children: Jill (David) Miller, Appleton; Jeffrey (Jill) Kobin, Grafton; Terry (Sandra) Kobin, Mequon; Mark (Linda) Kobin, Appleton; Peter (Jean) Kobin, Cedarburg; Jami (Thomas) Greshay, Appleton; and Jodi (James) Frailing, Appleton. He is further survived by 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Gregory (Danielle) Miller and their children, Christopher, Angela, Justin, Brandon and Bailey; Kristen (Jordan) Geurts and their son Isaac; Stephanie (Joshua) Schedler and their children Kylie, Teigan and Malik; Brett Miller; Lindsey and Benjamin Kobin; Michael and his son Trevon Kobin; Sean Kobin; Rochelle Robinson and her daughter Alyse; Noah (Brenda) Kobin; Lexie Kobin, and Connor (fiancee Stephanie) Kobin; Andrew, Daniel and William Kobin; Hunter and Erin Greshay; and Joshua and Jordyn Frailing. Other survivors include his mother-in-law, Estelle Zahn; sister-in-law, Kathryn (John) Elliott; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Preceeding Harold in death were his parents, Frank and Ida Kobin; his sister, Hazel Kordick; his wife Lillian Iverson Kobin and son Billy; several aunts, uncles and cousins; his mother- and father-in-law, Peter and Mary Iverson; brothers-in-law, Norris and Herb Iverson; sister-in-law, Pearl Schultz; and his father-in-law, Walter Zahn. The Christian Funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2008, at MOUNT OLIVE EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 930 East Florida Avenue, Appleton, with Rev. Benjamin Berger officiating. Friends may call at the Wichmann Tri-County Chapel, 3212 South Oneida Street, Menasha, on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and again directly at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Interment will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Kaukauna. The family wishes to thank the staff at Appleton Medical Center and the ThedaCare Hospice for their gentle care of Harold during his last days.

WICHMANN TRI-COUNTY CHAPEL
3212 South Oneida Street
Menasha 920-831-9905
www.wichmannfargo.com

Our Dad was not only a father, but also a mentor, teacher, coach and friend. He was a wonderful example of a Christian family man. He was loving, forgiving, and provided guidance when we needed it the most. Despite the trials he endured during his life, his faith remained strong. He leaves us a legacy of that faith, hope and trust in our Lord and a commitment to each other. We will treasure his memory always and look forward to seeing him again in heaven.
Jill, Jeff, Terry, Mark, Pete, Jami and Jodi

“When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim: My God, how great thou art!”