Connie Kohl, age 85, of Lexington passed away July 19, 2026, at Mother Hull Nursing Home in Kearney. Connie passed peacefully under hospice care after losing a long battle with an ailment doctors ultimately identified as progressive muscular atrophy.

Connie was born August 6,1940, in Hastings to Raymond and Bertha Taylor. She grew up in Hastings and was a 1958 graduate of Hastings High School.

Connie married her high school sweetheart, Neal Kohl, on July 19, 1958, in Hastings. She stayed at home raising four children and supporting Neal as he pursued a business career in auto parts sales and management. His early career took the family to Ames and Perry Iowa, Cozad, and then Lexington. In 1974 Connie and Neal purchased the Sidles Company parts store in Lexington and renamed it Mr. Automotive. The store was owned and operated until their retirement in 2000.

After Neal’s passing in 2011, Connie met Butch Krotz of Kearney. They had many common interests and became domestic partners living together for the past 14 years.

Connie was blessed with a large family that gathered frequently for family events. The Fourth of July and Thanksgiving holidays were always fun, but the annual Christmas Eve gathering was the highlight of the year providing love filled memories for everyone. Connie’s collection of Christmas decorations was a sight to behold.

Lake McConaughy was a favorite weekend retreat for Connie and Neal. They owned property at the lake for nearly two decades providing countless memories for the whole family.

Connie always had a passion for small animals. She enjoyed dogs and cats but was especially fond of the felines earning the nickname from her family as “The Cat Lady.” Connie and Butch shared their passion for rescuing both kittens and adult cats, nurturing them until healthy and then finding loving homes.

Connie’s other passions included home decorating, especially around the holidays, baking, flower gardening, bird feeding and watching, and staying current with all the activities of her ever-growing family.

Connie is survived by her partner, Butch Krotz of Kearney, son Mike and Leisha Kohl of Lincoln, son Barry and Gloria Kohl of McCook, daughter Shelly Rossi and partner Jim Davis of Kearney, daughter Wendy and Andy Duis of Lincoln.

Grandchildren: Allyson (Jordan) McCurry, Jenna (Travis) Atwood, Kayla (Kevin) Houfek, Emilie (Brett) Cribelli, Karlie Kohl, Erin (Logan) Baker, Joel (Kali) Monter, Justin (Abbi) Kohl, Carter Duis, Bryce Duis, Hannah (Logan) Gleason, Andrea Duis. And 20 great grandchildren, and brother, Dr. Robert Taylor, Litchfield Park, AZ and numerous nephews, great nephews and nieces

Connie was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Neal Kohl, great grandchild Barrett Gleason, father Raymond Taylor, mother Bertha Ponder (Taylor), sister-in-law Sharlene Taylor and a very special aunt, Ethel Taylor.

A Memorial Book Signing will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with family receiving guests from 5-8 p.m.

Memorials are kindly suggested to be made out to the Kearney Area Animal Shelter.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com