Obituaries

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William G. Kohlhepp, who died peacefully at home on November 28, 2025 at the age 84. Bill was married to Elaine Rabe Kohlhepp for 60 years who was his biggest supporter and true partner throughout his married life. He was the first child of the late Clifford and Catherine Kohlhepp of Park Hills, KY. He was the dear father of Gary Kohlhepp (Amy) of DeWitt, MI; Wendy Kohlhepp Vonderhaar (Gregg) of Cincinnati, OH; and Kelly Kohlhepp Blake (Jason) of Cincinnati, OH. Bill was also the proud grandfather of Jess and Brody Kohlhepp; Madeleine, Olivia and William Vonderhaar; and JR and Austin Blake. Bill was the eldest of six boys, Robert (Linda), Jerome (Diane), Thomas (Linda), James (Jeanette), and Joseph (Ginger).

A lifelong resident of Northern Kentucky, Bill attended Saint Agnes Grade School and Covington Latin High School where he graduated with honors. He continued his education at Villa Madonna College (now Thomas More University) where he met his wife Elaine. He went on to the University of Kentucky Law School and graduated first in his class. After graduation, he worked for the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington D.C. for three years, then returned to Northern Kentucky and continued his career at Cors & Bassett Law Firm. He retired from Cors & Bassett after 42 years, where he served as Managing Partner for 15 of those years.

Throughout Bill’s career he was actively engaged in the Greater Cincinnati community and received many awards including: the Individual Deal Maker Award from the Association for Corporate Growth; the Bishop H. Hughes Award from the Diocese of Covington and Thomas More University; the Covington Latin School Distinguished Alumnus Award and was named one of Ohio’s Super Lawyers in Corporate and Securities Law by Cincinnati Magazine.

Despite Bill’s hectic schedule he always had time for his wife and three children. Bill never missed his kid’s school and sporting events and in the evenings after work, could be found in the backyard playing kickball and wiffle ball with his, and the neighborhood kids. He always put family, faith and education first.

Bill and Elaine supported many charitable organizations throughout their lives. A few highlights include endowing the Elaine and William Kohlhepp Scholarship at Thomas More University as well as creating the Clifford E. Kohlhepp Covington Latin School Endowment Fund along with his brothers and son. In addition, Bill and his wife Elaine created the William and Elaine Kohlhepp Charitable Fund with the purpose of improving the Northern Kentucky community for years to come.

Bill lived with Parkinson’s for over 20 years. Despite the toll of the disease, he never complained and faced this challenge head-on; never giving up. As so eloquently stated by his neurologist Dr. Alberto Espay, “Behind Bill’s gentle demeanor, there was pure toughness”. Bill became an inspiration to family and friends in the way he approached this debilitating disease with his enduring faith, unrelenting spirit and determination to make the most of the life he was given.

Visitation will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2409 Dixie Highway, Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with the eulogy beginning at 9:45 a.m.

Memorial donations are requested in lieu of flowers to Thomas More University, 333 Thomas More Parkway, Crestview Hills KY 40417 (Thomas More University), Covington Latin School, 21 E 11th Street, Covington, KY 41011 (Covington Latin School), Blessed Sacrament Church, 2409 Dixie Highway, Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017 (Blessed Sacrament Church), or the University of Cincinnati Foundation/The Cincinnati Cohort Biomarker Program Fund (F102709), PO Box 19970 Cincinnati, OH 45219-0970 (UC Foundation).