Lavern (Nick) Everett Kohls, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and community pillar, passed away peacefully in his home on the morning of September 2nd. He was 83 years old. Nick’s life was full of joy and love as he served all those around him.
Nick was born on Nov 4, 1940, to Raymond and Wilma in Price, Utah. He was raised and spent most of his life in Fruita, Colorado. Born and raised with a passion for sports and service, Nick’s legacy began early and continued growing throughout his life. He graduated from Fruita Monument High School. He earned a football scholarship to Colorado State University where he excelled in both football and wrestling. His athletic prowess was recognized with his induction into the Hall of Fame at Fruita Monument High School (FMHS) and CSU Fort Collins, as well as being awarded the CSU NYE trophy for outstanding senior athlete. His remarkable sports career included being a two-time Colorado state wrestling champion and second in the nation (NCAA Division I) for wrestling. After graduating from CSU, Nick earned a master’s degree from Ohio State University in school counseling.
Nick’s commitment to service continued in his military career. He served with honor in the Army, retiring as a Major, and had a distinguished tenure with the ROTC at CSU. His service extended beyond the military as he and his beloved wife, Joyce, devoted time to missionary work in Cambodia and the Philippines in his later years.
In 1962, Nick was sealed to his high school sweetheart, Joyce Etcheverry, in the Manti Temple. Together, they raised a loving family, which includes their four children: Liz (Jeff), John (Carla), Jennifer (Scott), and JoJo (Clint). Nick was a dedicated father and a proud grandfather, cherishing every moment spent with his family. He coached several of his kids’ sports. He was the best babysitter and an avid spectator of all his kids and grandkid’s activities.
Nick’s community involvement was extensive. He served on the Fruita City council and worked as a counselor at FMHS while also coaching his children’s volleyball and wrestling teams. He loved working with the youth, and the parents loved having him work with their kids despite Nick misplacing a scout or two on their adventures. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was 17 and went on to serve in many callings (positions) including serving as the Bishop of his congregation. Even when he wasn’t serving as Bishop, he was active in his church service. The only thing he couldn’t help was the Ward choir. His summers were spent working for the Forest Service, where he blew things up with dynamite, cut trees, reconstructed trails, built bridges, and sharpened chain saws alongside friend Dan Miller, son John, and nephew Norman Fuller. Nick was known for his skill as a canner, gardener, sauerkraut preserver, pizza maker, and being a fixer of all things, as well as his enjoyment of fishing, travel, and reading Louis L’Amour novels.
Nick is survived by his beloved wife Joyce, their four children, 20 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren and counting. His absence will be felt every day, but because of his love and life, we will remember Nick Kohls with a smile on our face and joy in our hearts.
The memorial service will be held Saturday, September 7th at 12:00 with a family visitation from 11:00-11:45 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 952 W 1580 S, Payson, UT.  Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ xax-yyyn-gdo
A graveside service will be held in Fruita, CO on Saturday, September 14th at 10:00am at New Elmwood Cemetery, 1175 17 1/4 road, Fruita, CO.

Video Call Link:
https://meet.google.com/xax-yyyn-gdo