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Edward S. Wohl
1942-2023 - Ridgeway, WI

Master woodworker Edward Wohl passed away at the age of 81 from leukemia at his home on May 13th, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Edward will be remembered widely for his contributions to the craft of woodworking. To those who were lucky enough to know him personally, he will be remembered for his kind and genuine smile, ever-present sense of humor, unbounded patience, gentle spirit, and sincere interest in and care for those around him.

Edward was born on April 16, 1942 in Cleveland, OH. He was introduced to woodworking in 7th grade shop class, which he often cited as the start of his career. He studied at Ohio State before spending two years as a rural engineer in Pakistan with the Peace Corps. Upon returning to the States, Edward attended Washington University in St. Louis where he graduated with what he often said was "appropriately, a 'B.S.' in Architecture." In 1968 he moved to Madison and entered a graduate program in ergonomics at the UW where he met prominent industrial designer Bill Stumpf who became a lifelong friend and mentor. In the early '70s, Edward attended a course at Penland School of Craft taught by renowned woodworker Sam Maloof, and later spent an influential summer working in Sam's studio in southern California.

In 1972, Edward moved to a farmhouse north of Ridgeway, Wisconsin. He married his partner, Ann, in 1980, and together they had two children, Mikaela and Jonathan. In 1982 he designed and built a house and woodworking shop on a plot of land nearby, creating an idyllic setting to work and raise a family.

Over his long career, Edward became recognized for his graceful style of studio furniture, known for its masterful design, seamless joinery, liquid-smooth finish and quiet utility. He produced hundreds of custom pieces, attending high-end art fairs and delivering works to customers across the world. In the early '90s he began producing a line of cutting boards in the style of his furniture. Thirty years later, his iconic bird's-eye maple bread boards have been sold in hundreds of stores world-wide. As Ed got older, he'd sometimes be asked about retirement. "What would I do if I retired?" he'd laugh. "I'd wake up in the morning and head up to the shop, which is what I do now."

Tennis was Ed's passion, and in 2006 he built a clay court beside his woodworking shop. He loved sharing the court with his local tennis-playing friends and inviting anyone who expressed interest to come play. Ever the perfectionist, even as his physical abilities waned in recent years he was intent on improving his game, spending hours each week on the court practicing.

Ed's greatest delight in life was his family. He rarely missed yearly gatherings in Cleveland which brought together dozens of relatives from both his mother's and father's side, and he was very close with Ann's family. He loved running his small woodworking company in partnership with Ann, and more recently with his son, Jonathan, who had been learning from and working alongside Ed for years, and who will continue the furniture and cutting board business. Nothing made him happier in recent weeks than spending time with his daughter, Mikaela, who had moved back to WI with her family after many years in New York.

Ed is survived by his sister Lenore, his aunt Lillian, his wife Ann, his children Mikaela (David) and Jonathan (Sarah), his grandchildren Ivy, Simon, Orli, and Phoebe, and a large number of close extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sylvia and Max, and his brother Arthur. He will be deeply missed by many.

As per his wishes, Ed had a natural burial on his land, and a tree will be planted in his memory. An event to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Ed's favorite radio program, Democracy Now.