Jarold L. Kohll

Jerry passed away at home surrounded by loves ones on August 1, 2022.



Jarold L. Kohll was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa and shortly after birth moved to Grand Island, Nebraska where he spent the first 10 years of his life. When Jerry was 10 years old, his family moved to Omaha so his father Louis could open up Kohll’s Pharmacy. He attended Washington Elementary and Central High School. Following high school graduation, Jerry attended the University of Oklahoma where he studied pharmacy and was president of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Jerry’s father Louis had passed away during his sophomore year of college, so when he returned to Omaha in 1960, Jerry partnered with his older brother Marvin and they built a chain of pharmacies.



In 1962, Jerry met the love of his life, Gail Tretiak on a blind date arranged by his stepfather. Soon after, they were married. Gail and Jerry built a loving life together and were admired by many as a model couple. Together, they raised 4 children: Cindy, Alan, Allison and Jason. Jerry was the ultimate Dad - coaching sports, attending swim meets and Boy Scout overnight adventures. He enjoyed annual family ski vacations but most importantly taught his children to be honest, kind and always have a sense of humor.



In 1978, a nursing home administrator called Jerry to ask if Kohll’s could provide medications for his facility. He wasn’t sure how he would do it, but “never told a customer no.” Soon after, he devised a pharmacy system that included medical supplies, eventually facilitating many nursing homes in the Omaha metro area and beyond called Kohll’s Extended Care. In the early 1980’s, Jerry began computerizing both the retail and institutional sides working endless days to perfect it. In 1994, Jerry and Marvin decided to split the company into two, Marvin with the retail side and Jerry with the institutional changing the name to Kohll’s Health Services. Less than 2 years later in 1996 - Jerry got a call from one of his customers that was also the largest nursing home company in the country called Beverly Enterprises. They told him they really liked how his company was run and what he did and offered to purchase his company. They asked him to stay and manage the Omaha office which he did for just over a year before deciding it was time to retire.



He was a community and professional leader including serving as Presidents of Greater Omaha Pharmaceutical Association, RNA Usergroup USA (pharmacy software), Highland Country Club and the Rose Blumkin Nursing Home. He was also very proud for helping to build the Nebraska Holocaust Memorial.



Following retirement, Jerry spent the next 25 years with Gail making many more memories together. They traveled, hosted numerous parties, attended concerts, theater and loved socializing with their multitude of friends.



He loved golf, working out at the JCC, meeting his buddies for all the weekly breakfasts and lunches.



Jerry will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, caring friend, respected businessman and community leader, with a wonderful nature, unflappable optimism, generous heart and good humor. He will be greatly missed.



Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Leona Kohll Cohn, Louis Kohll and Gerald P. Cohn. He is survived by his wife, Gail; children, Cindy Kohll (Joshua Persky), Alan Kohll (Brigitte), Allison Kohll and Jason Kohll (Stephanie); grandchildren, Abby, Isabella, Isaac, Jacob, Hayden, Adam, Drew, Benjamin, and Sivan; brother, Marvin; beloved dog, Simba.