Executive chairman of Kohler Co Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr or Herb Kohler has passed away at the age of 83.

He took the plumbing manufacturing company, founded by his grandfather, to become a globally recognised brand across a diverse family of businesses.

Kohler Co now has more than 40,000 employees and dozens of manufacturing facilities across six continents.

Sponsored Video

Embrace Hygge with Pronteau Scandi

His personal mission was products had to be more than durable, functional and attractive, they had to be joyful and memorable.

He designed many of the company’s products himself and held more than 200 design and utility patents.

After serving with the U.S. Army Reserve, studying at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, Herb Kohler launched a brief acting career at Knox College in Illinois.

He completed his education at Yale University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial administration in 1965.

Having joined Kohler Co full-time as an R&D technician after graduation, he became a director of the company in 1967 and vice president of operations a year later when his father died.

Herb Kohler was named executive vice president in 1971, elected chairman of the board and CEO in 1972.

At the age of 35, he became president of the company in 1974.

Inducted into the National Kitchen and Bath Hall of Fame in 1989, followed by the National Housing Hall of Fame in 1993, Ernst & Young named him National Entrepreneur of the Year in Manufacturing in 2002.

Junior Achievement also inducted him into its U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 2006.

Herb Kohler was named the company’s executive chairman in 2015, with his son David taking the helm as President and CEO.

He served Kohler Co. for 61 years, with 43 years spent at CEO, and have overseen more than 48 acquisitions.

This started with Sterling Faucet Co in 1984, followed by French plumbing company Jacob Delafon in 1986, and in 2001 UK shower manufacturer Mira, which has celebrated its centennial year.

However, he will also be remembered for creating a golfing portfolio of world-renowned courses and resorts in American and UK.

The Kohler courses have hosted six Major golf championships to date, including the 2015 PGA Championships at Whistling Straits in 2015 and the 43^rd Ryder Cup.

He established and chaired a variety of charities, spanning the support of arts and education and protection of wildlife.

Herb is survived by his wife, Natalie; two daughters, Laura Kohler and Rachel Kohler and one son, David Kohler, as well as 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Ophelia, Herbert, and Uma Cartwright.

In a statement, his family said: “His zest for life, adventure and impact inspires all of us. We travelled together, celebrated together, and worked together.

“He was all in, all the time, leaving an indelible mark on how we live our lives today and carryon his legacy.”