Greg Kohn

Click here to view a video tribute to Greg Kohn Gregory Michael Kohn, who preferred to be called Greg or “G Smooth,” passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 7, 2020, with his loving family and many dear friends at his side. Greg was born on October 5, 1961, at Seaway Hospital in Trenton, Michigan, to Marlin and Maureen (nee Buliung) Kohn, joining his parents, an older brother, and two older sisters to create a family of six. He grew up in Flat Rock, Michigan, where he kept his family and friends on their toes with his great sense of humor and mischievousness. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School in Rockwood through 8th grade; he then attended and graduated from Flat Rock High School. He prided himself for maintaining perfect attendance in school. Greg loved and excelled in athletics his entire life. He played football for the Huron River Yellow Jackets while young and progressed on more than one occasion to regional competitions in the annual Punt-Pass-and-Kick football contest. His athletic abilities served him well in high school, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. He was the starting quarterback on Flat Rock High’s football team, a guard on the basketball team, and a southpaw pitcher on the baseball team. Greg loved all sports, with his favorite being baseball, with the New York Yankees being his favorite MLB team. In college, he was scouted by the Montreal Expos, but never advanced to the professional level. Not one to step back from a lifelong passion, Greg went on to coach baseball for many years, including at Gibraltar High School (where he was named Coach of the Year), River Rouge High School, and the Downriver Hawks. Although Greg grew up in a world focused on sports, he was never a typical “jock” in high school. He was friends with everyone, and like his mother, rarely knew a stranger. Greg met the love of his life Elizabeth Begeman in 1986 on a blind date, set up by their mutual friend Pat Coleman. They married on August 15, 1986, and were blessed with three sons: Travis, Drew and Zach, who have all grown into amazing young men. Family was Greg’s priority and his wife and sons meant the world to him. He loved them with all his heart. On August 26, 2019, they were blessed with their first grandchild, the beautiful Emma. Greg had love and stars in his eyes every time he saw her; she certainly brightened up his life. He also loved animals; he doted on his beloved Lexi, and was always appreciative of time spent with family dogs Belle, Tyson, and Ziggy. In 2017, he helped nurture his son’s snapping turtle Snappy, who is known grown and living back in the wild. Greg shared a close bond with his in-laws and was beloved by them. Greg earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Michigan University, and a master’s degree in special education from Marygrove College. He taught special education classes, social studies and PE, among other courses, at River Rouge High School for more than 26 years. In addition to coaching the River Rouge High School baseball team, he was proud to help with and support all of the school’s athletic programs; he attended as many school events as possible and served as a major cheerleader for all of the teams. But his biggest reward came from mentoring his students and helping them graduate with the education and skills to make a difference in the world. His positive influence on his students is evident by reading just a few of their many Facebook condolences posted after his passing. He enjoyed dressing up and several times he donned Big Bird, Santa Claus and other costumes to the delight of his nieces and nephews as they celebrated their birthdays and the holidays. He had a penchant for surprising family and friends with practical jokes throughout the year. He particularly liked to decorate the yards of family and friends. Greg was a fanatic about exercising and took up swimming in his 40s. He loved music of all kinds—George Thorogood, the J. Geils Band, and Motown were particular favorites; he knew the words to every song. Greg had a lifelong “addiction” to 7-Eleven Slurpee’s; his mother often said that he would be happy with a Slurpee in one hand and a dollar in his pocket for gas (which wouldn’t take him too far these days). He loved to be out-of-doors, and was particularly fond of mowing lawns for his family and several neighbors; after his cancer diagnosis, he was sad that he could no longer cut grass or work in the yard. Greg was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, typically a childhood condition, in April 2017, when he began a valiant fight against this disease. In January 2018, he underwent a successful bone marrow transplant, with his sister Maureen serving as the donor. Sometime after the transplant, it was discovered that cancer cells had escaped his blood and were attacking his kidneys. Thankfully, after chemotherapy, the cancer went into remission. Greg continued to battle with health challenges that arose from the treatment and the fact that his immune system had to be wiped out in order to undergo the bone marrow transplant. Without an immune system, he came down with pneumonia several times and was susceptible to common viruses and bacterial infections, and a host of other medical conditions. But he continued to fight back, continually winning every battle. On January 24, 2020, Greg learned that the cancer had returned, and once again resolved to fight it. His doctors were encouraged with his progress once again, but our good Lord and his parents wanted Greg in Heaven. Greg died from a massive stroke and brain bleed—not the cancer. His hematologist said that he will always remember Greg’s “strength and love of his family.” Greg is proceeded in death by his parents, who have constantly appeared in his life as cardinals letting him know that they are near and watching over him. Left behind to mourn this sad loss are Greg’s wife Elizabeth; his sons Travis, Drew (Emily), and Zach (Bree); his granddaughter Emma; mother- and father-in law Sedonne (Jim) Mayer and Tom (Nancy) Begeman; his brother Ron (Rose Ellen) Kohn; sisters Kate (aka Aunt Kitty) (Dennis) Parrott, and Maureen (aka Renee) (Joe) DiGiacomo; several brothers-in-law and their spouses; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews, and extended family members; numerous former students, athletes and many, many great friends. Greg’s funeral visitation will be held at Martenson Funeral Home—Trenton Chapel from 3 pm to 9 pm on March 11, 2020, and his funeral will take place at St. Roch Roman Catholic Church in Flat Rock, with a brief visitation from 9:30 am to 10 am, and mass beginning at 10 am. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the wishes of the family. Click here to view a video tribute to Greg Kohn