Paul John Kohler, 91, returned to his heavenly father on May 10, 2016 at 4:56pm, after a valiant battle with cancer. His strong devotion and faith in God with the love and support of his adoring family gave him the strength and the peace for his final journey home.

Paul was born December 22, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois. He was raised by his loving parents, Hank and Wanda Kohler along with his younger brother Bob. It was in grade school that he began what would become a lifelong vocation, serving at the Altar of our Lord. Paul served God in many different ways, but it was without fail that he always performed the duties of altar server from early grade school and throughout his life; only stopping with the loss of his vision well into his 80's. When he could no longer be an altar server, Paul joined those who served watch and daily spent time before the Blessed Sacrament in adoration, usually taking the middle of night or early hours of the morning. Paul's life was dedicated to his Lord and his life was a true example of the phrase "They will know we are Christians by our Love".

Paul served his country in the US Marine Corps and bravely fought in the Pacific during WWII, where he was wounded and was then awarded the Purple Heart.

Paul moved to Florida in 1955. It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Peggie. Paul and Peggie were blessed with a large and loving family. All of the children and grandchildren learning a great love of God, a great love of family, and developing a strong faith from them.

Paul's entire life was spent in service to the church; he served as a sacristan, a Eucharistic minister, a homebound minister, an usher, a catechist, as well as janitor / handy man and bus driver. Paul was a fourth degree Knight as part of the Knights of Columbus. Paul and Peggie were together known for their many years of service to the Christ Child Project in which they provided Christmas to the needy children of Jensen Beach; for their many years of running the St. Martin de Porres thrift store, their time with Marriage Encounter, their time with the Cursillo, and for the Charismatic Prayer Group they lead together. Paul and Peggie served the community as foster parents and following the death of their own son they became grief counselors to families who lost children.

Paul was quite well known for his crosses. He made thousands upon thousands of small wooden crosses on cords that were sent to people all over the world. They could be seen around people's necks or on the rearview mirrors of cars all over Jensen Beach and Stuart. The making of these crosses was a ministry of love for him that stopped only when his eyesight failed. Paul was an accomplished wood worker and carved some very beautiful crosses, crucifixes, furniture, home dcor, and pieces of art. Paul was a genius when it came to puzzles and math problems and spent hours upon hours playing with his favorite, the Rubik's Cube.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Hank and Wanda Kohler. By two sons and a daughter, Matthew Kohler, Mark Kohler and Marie Kohler. By a grandson, Shaun Franz. By his sister-in-law, Charlene Kohler of Grover City, CA.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret "Peggie" Kohler of Stuart, FL. A brother, Bob Kohler of Grover City, CA. His sons: Paul Kohler of Stuart, FL and Mike (Carol) Kohler of Springfield, VT. His daughters: Mary (Barrie) Stevens of Port St. Lucie, FL and Maggie (Larry) Olson of Stuart, FL. His grandchildren: Adrian (Trevor) Colburn, Melissa Franz, Matthew (Banee) Pearce, Michael (Myrahia) Pearce, Jessica Olson, Brittney Stevens, and Gavin Olson. His great-grandchildren: Ryan Colburn, Emily Colburn, Xzavier Franz, Michael Pearce III, Benjamin Franz, Honey Blossom Stevens, Morgan Pearce, Elliott Pearce, Matthew Pearce.

A Celebration of Paul's life will be 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 21, 2016 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Jensen Beach.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 21, 2016 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Jensen Beach with a reception to follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, Peggie asks that you honor Paul's memory by doing something special for someone you love and by performing random acts of kindness.