Angelica Nurseries is saddened by the passing of our second-generation patriarch, LeVerne Carroll Kohl on July 7, 2021. Born in Shillington, PA in 1933, one of three sons to Thomas J. and Elsie May Kohl. Verne is survived by his three daughters Nina, Tami and Jenny. For decades, Verne worked beside his brothers, Tim and Bernard, Sr. and his two nephews, Bernie and Jim. Along with his parents, Verne was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette and brother Bernard, Sr.
After graduating from Shillington High School, Verne served his country for two years in the US Army. In 1956 Angelica moved its operations from Pennsylvania to Maryland. It was Verne tasked with establishing the nursery in Maryland. For many years, Verne was the face of the nursery and the driving force behind Angelica’s dedication to be the leader in the production of quality plant material. Over the past 60 years, Verne is accredited with 10 plant introductions. None of the introductions would be patented as he did not believe in patenting what nature gave us.
A man of few words, Verne built long lasting relationships with Angelica’s customers and employees. Verne worked together with other industry pioneers such as Manny Shemin, Jim Bissett and Arthur Gaklis to establish the re-wholesale process of plant distribution.
Verne served for many years on the White House Grounds Committee of the American Nursery and Landscape Association. He was a member of the Plant Propagators Society and the Landscape Architects Society. Verne was committed to agriculture advancement, farmland preservation, protecting the environment and supporting the local community. In his spare time, Verne was the creator and designer of Gentle Winds, an exclusive residential development in Galena, MD. Through all of his contributions and accolades, too many to mention, Verne remained humble never expecting any recognition.
A master nurseryman, Verne was also an accomplished stone mason, designer and draftsman. In 1969, he obtained his private pilots license. A world class gentleman with a generous heart, Verne experienced a lifetime of outstanding accomplishments. An inspiration for hard work and dedication, Verne will be greatly missed by all. There is comfort knowing he is in a better place.
Private services for the family were held on July 11th at the Galena Funeral Home. A celebration of Verne’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, care of Galena Funeral Home, P.O. Box 235, Galena, MD 21635 or to the Galena Volunteer Fire Company.