December 10, 1946 - April 14, 2025
Paul passed away on Monday, April 14th at the Hospice House, in Ft. Pierce, FL. He spent his final days surrounded by loved ones.
He was predeceased by his father Paul J. Kohler; his mother Rose Mojzis; his siblings Mark, Marie, and Matthew Kohler; and his grandparents Hank and Wanda Kohler.
He is survived by his stepmother Peggie Kohler of Stuart, his siblings Michael (Carol) Kohler of Springfield, VT; Mary (Barrie) Stevens of Port St. Lucie; and Margaret (Larry) Olson of Stuart; as well as many nieces / nephews and great nieces / nephews and loads of cousins all over the country. Paul's two best friends were some of those who sat with him at the end, Ray Rice of Stuart and Joncien Lee of Austin, TX. Paul was also survived by other incredible lifelong friends – both near and far, that truly meant the world to him.
Paul was born in Chicago, IL and was raised in Stuart. He came to Florida with his father when he was about 10 years old. He graduated Martin County High School and was very soon drafted into the Military. He served in Vietnam in the United States Army. When his tour of duty was complete, he left the Army and went back to school. He graduated Indian River Community College and went on to graduate and attend postgraduate at the University of Florida Gainesville.
Paul did many different things in his professional life. Starting as a local contractor building homes to a consultant working for the Defense Department. With numerous jobs in between. In later years, Paul worked primarily for our government. He worked on the Census Team, as a grove inspector, with FEMA involved with disaster relief. His last job was as a civilian contractor consultant for the Air Force.
Paul also had interest in everything from Archeology to zoology. He loved playing chess, collecting guns, coins, stamps, and antiques. He was into photography, clock and watch repair, refurbishing wooden furniture, and sitting on the beach. You could find him wood working and building canoes, at an archeological dig in locations all over the country, fishing on the beach, fly fishing in a stream, hiking a trail, fossil hunting, metal detecting, working in his yard, planting a tree, using internet at the public library, or placing bids at an auction.
Paul spent the last couple years of his life living with Dementia. The last year it had become debilitating and in September of last year he was moved into the Ardie R. Copas State Veteran's Nursing Home. Every member of the staff made Paul's final months better. He was treated with compassion, respect, and given a dignity not often found in a nursing home setting. They took care of Paul and his family, walking hand in hand with us through end stage dementia.
We ask that in lieu of flowers, please consider reaching out to the nursing home at 772-241-6132, ask for the activities director and ask how you might help them. They can always use gift cards to purchase snacks, activities, or use for day trips for the veterans.
Paul was a man of great faith as well. He attended Mass at St. Joseph in Stuart or St. Chirstopher in Hobe Sound. Paul will have a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at St. Christopher Church in Hobe Sound, FL. The funeral Mass will start at 10:30am with a small reception to follow. Burial will take place at 1:00pm at Fernhill Memorial Park in Stuart.
