Edward J. Kohlhase

A good friend, devoted husband, beloved father, cherished brother, and much-loved grandfather; Edward Jacob Kohlhase, left this earth peacefully, surrounded by a lot of love and family by his side on Thursday, November 30, 2023, while residing at Cornerstone at Hampton Senior Living in Hampton NH. Edward was born in Kittery, Maine, in 1935, and he is the eldest of 7 children, born to the late, Webster and Lena Kohlhase.

Ed proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps, from 1953 – 1961. He was an Equipment Operator and Mechanic, and good Marine. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., 29 Palms, CA, and Okinawa.

He married his love, Jacqueline Baer, in 1959 when he was stationed in CA, and they were together for over 60 years until her passing in 2020. Together they raised five children. Those five children gave him 20 grandchildren, and today he has 26 great grandchildren, and that number continues to grow.

After being discharged from the Marines in 1961, Edward and Jacqueline purchased a home in Rye, NH. Edward became a Master Electrician, owning his own business, and this became a lifelong career for him. In 1978, Edward and Jackie settled in North Hampton, after purchasing a large victorian multi-family home and barn, where he and Jackie resided for nearly 45 years.

Ed had a particular fondness for John Deere Tractors; Antique cars, trucks, and tractors were his passion. If you drove by 221 Atlantic on your way to the beach or to Joe’s Meat Market, you likely saw one of these antiques in his yard.  He often let the John Deere or Fordson run idle, just so he could enjoy the beautiful sound of "putt, putt, putt".  His collection consisted of a Celery Planter and Corn Husker from the 1940s, a 1967 Ford Mustang, 1936 Ford Pick-up truck, a 1933 Fordson Tractor, and his 1956 John Deere. Many kids experienced for the first time the thrill of riding on a John Deere with Ed. He and his Tractors participated in a plethora of events: parades, tractor pulls, fairs, car and truck shows, and he has a proud collection of trophies to show for it.

Edward was a member of the East Coast Antique Tractor Club, the 2 Cylinder club, the Rye Lions Club, and the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. In his later retirement years, Edward and Jackie attended Bethany Church in Greenland, and enjoyed serving in the kitchen on Sunday mornings.

Edward was a laid back, easy-going, kind, and gentle soul with a great sense of humor, smile, and a constant sharp wit.  He loved people. He was always making friends and was good at making people laugh and feel good about themselves. He was loved by everyone who met him, and has left an incredible legacy filled with family, friends, love, and laughter.  

Edward is survived by his children, David Kohlhase of Rye, Cynthia Kohlhase and husband, Darryl Harvey of Greenland, Janet Kohlhase-Purdy and husband Rick in Lee, and Edward Jacob Kohlhase Jr and wife, Michelle of Barrington.

Edward is also survived by his siblings; Barbara Stone of Greenland, Bonnie Gardner and husband, Rod of Greenland, Mary Frarie and husband, Dick of Goffstown, Webster Kohlhase Jr, and wife, Deborah of Stratham, Libby Hart-Wilcox, and husband, David of Freedom, and Charlie Kohlhase, of Chelsea, MA.

Edward is preceded in death by his 18-year-old grandson, David Kohlhase Jr, in 2018; his cherished wife, Jacqueline (Baer) Kohlhase in 2020, and his eldest daughter, Kathy Jean LeDuc, in October 2021.

In Lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the David W. Kohlhase Jr. Scholarship Fund c/o People's United Bank, 1555 Lafayette Rd., Portsmouth, NH 03801.

A Memorial service will be held at Bethany Church in Greenland, NH on December 14th, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a graveside Veteran’s ceremony at the Prospect Hill Cemetery.