Robert Allen Kohler Sr.

Mr. Robert Allen Kohler, was born August 11, 1938 in Kansas City, Kansas. He graduated Wyandotte High School, where he played football, basketball, baseball and ran track & field. He attended the University of Missouri, where he played football. He also played semi-pro football. He served in the U. S. Army 12th Special Forces Reserve. He was united in holy matrimony to Elaine Berg, June 29, 1963. This union was blessed with five children. Bob was an active member of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, where he served as Eucharistic Minister and often worked the many fish dinners and events. His many interests over the years included coaching the kids’ football and basketball teams, gardening, his fishpond, golfing, and Mizzou Tigers athletics. He was proud of his Croatian heritage and ate lots of povatica and sausage over the years. His retirement from Owens Corning in 2004 provided Bob with time to spend with his wife Elaine and watch John Wayne westerns. He peacefully departed this life Thursday, March 17, 2016 surrounded by family and friends at North Kansas City Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Catherine (Munjak) Kohler, his sister Dorothy, and his brothers John, Ray, Joe, Bud, Billy & Al, and his son Gerard.

His life will forever be cherished in the life of his wife: Elaine; the lives of his children: Bob Kohler, Jr., Marcia Witherow, Dan Kohler, Janine Bales; his grandchildren: Marie, Katie & Maggie Witherow, Lainie Bales; his sons-in-law: Mick Witherow and Kyle Bales; and his brother: Ed Kohler.

The Mass of Christian Burial is 10:00 AM Tuesday, March 22 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery North. Friends may call from 5-8 PM Monday at the Church where a rosary will be prayed at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to St. Pius X Athletic Campaign or St. Gabriel’s Catholic School.