Businessman, philanthropist Terry Kohler dies at age 82

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) -- A Wisconsin businessman and philanthropist who was influential in the Republican Party has died at age 82.

Terry Kohler was both the son and grandson of Wisconsin governors and ran unsuccessfully for the office in 1982. Republican Gov. Scott Walker said Kohler was a leader in business, politics and wildlife conservation. Kohler also loved sailing and aviation and gave large donations to GOP candidates and conservative causes over the years.

Kohler's oldest daughter, Leslie, told the Journal Sentinel Tuesday that her father was proud of how the two family companies treated its employees. Kohler was president of the Vollrath Co., a manufacturer started by his father Walter Kohler, Jr., and later led its parent company, Windway Capital Corp. based in Sheboygan.

Kohler's great-grandfather founded the Kohler plumbing fixture giant.