Francis (Frank) Earl Kohl, JD, 73, of Leavenworth, KS passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 20th 2025 - he spent his final days surrounded by friends, family, and beloved pets. He was a loving father, husband, brother, son, friend, and dedicated attorney who served the community in immeasurable ways.
Frank was born May 10th, 1952, in Leavenworth, KS, to Frances Elizabeth Schwartz and Francis Henry Paul Kohl. He graduated from Immaculata Catholic High School in 1970, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree in personnel management and political science from the University of Kansas in 1974. Frank continued to the University of Kansas School of Law where he graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 1977, and was admitted to the Kansas Bar Association the same year.
Frank’s years of dedication to the community include serving Leavenworth County for 30 years, first as assistant and deputy county attorney, followed by holding office as chief prosecuting attorney from 1984 to 2009. Decades of private practice bookended his public servitude, wherein he also served as municipal court judge from 2018 to 2021, served as a public defender in Child in Need of Care cases, represented the Federal Employees’ Labor Unions, and contributed to the document "Strategies Combating Domestic Violence." Most recently, Frank was honored with the Exemplary Service to the Court System award by Judge Joan Lowdon of the Leavenworth County District Court in 2022, and induction into the Marquis Who's Who Biographical Registry in 2023.
Frank could also be found playing softball on rec leagues at Cody Park, narrating The Spirit of Christmas at the Leavenworth Kansas Community Theater, radioing warnings of severe weather into the National Weather Service as a volunteer spotter, and cheering on his children at their many sporting events - often arriving in a full suit having come directly from court appearances.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Karen J. Kohl, his sister Barbara Smith, sons Zac (Chrissie), Tom (Laura), Joe (Jen), daughter Alanda, and five wonderful grandchildren.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Elizabeth (Beth) Cosgrove.
More than anything, Frank loved being available to lend a hand, share a smile, or get a laugh. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Frank to either St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or to KU Medical Center’s Parkinson’s foundation.
Services will be held on Saturday, September 27, at Davis Funeral Chapel 531 Shawnee St, in Leavenworth KS 66048. Visitation will be 9-11 AM with Memorial Service from 11-12 PM.
Following formal services, the family invites you to join them at TenPenney to share a memory, a laugh, or a drink in loving memory of Frank. Soft drinks and light hors d'oeuvres will be provided.
