Ms Kohler and I never got along the best, or at least that’s what I first thought. When I came to renaissance, she was the first teacher who made me feel comfortable enough to open my shell, and even though that caused me to goof off in her class, she was entirely kind to me and throughout the year made me feel like I was a part of renaissance. Ms Kohler was such an amazing person and friend to me, and even though I was not her student my final year of high school, she continued to talk to me and treat me like an equal, which always made me feel like I could go to her if I needed something. As someone who sat outside her room almost every day for multiple class periods, I never saw a single student in the entire school through both my years who didn’t leave her class with a smile. Ms. Kohler, I will really miss you.

To the first day I shadowed in her class, to my last moments of being able to sleep under her desk during lunch Ms.Kohler never failed to put a smile on my face. Even from our silly conversations, she always made me feel welcome, even when I was the only JR in a freshman level class. Her humor radiated throughout her words and actions. I still remember the numerous things being thrown at me due to me distracting her class... again. Also I can not thank her enough for the wonderful college recommendation letters she wrote for me. I still have a few and I will now cherish them even more than I already had. She will me missed not only by me but to the whole Renaissance community, may she rest in peace <3

My absolute favorite memory of Ms. Kohler had to be when we were trying to summon Mr. Sinn. As a collective class, we all decided that we should contact Mr. Sinn and have him meet Ms. Kohler. She knew about this joke that we had and would often join in on it. 
One day was relatively slow and I had all of my work done, so I said, “you know what? I’m going to DM Mr Sinn and try and get him to come meet you.” I opened up my phone and Ms. Kohler was quiet for a moment before saying, “Well, you didn’t hear this from me, but,” she said the next part laughing, “you could always pull the, ‘my teacher has cancer,’ card.”
She always had a fantastic sense of humor and the fact that she was able to make light of her situation was always so inspiring and admirable. May she rest in peace.

Ms.Kohler, one memory I have of her that always made me smile was my freshman year in her history class; the class assignments were not posted ahead of time like they normally were. I get to class and there they were. She talks through the assignment and then says some of you may have noticed that the assignments were not posted until just now; that is because somebody keeps doing them before class and then has nothing to do. Has she is saying this is looking directly at me. 
She was always just a bright light at Renaissance. She was always there out in the halls in the mornings as students would walk in. Loved her, loved her classes.  I am sad to see that she is gone and future students of Renaissance will not have her there. I know that she will be honored and truly missed there. 
I am glad she is in a better place and healed from all the cancer. May she forever rest in peace.

This is heartbreaking. I had her as a teacher when I went to RNHS. She was always such a kind spirit <3 Last time i came to visit the school was my last interaction with her and she will be dearly missed </3 She always knew how to make us laugh and instantly light up the room. Rest in peace :( -Ashton Hedberg

Ms. Kohler was always such a fun and amazing teacher. I came into freshman year intimidated and stressed and going into her class always gave me some relief. She was so loved by everyone around her, and she will continue to be loved by this community. She fought so hard and for so long and I am so grateful to have known her. I believe she was the most resilient and optimistic person I’ve ever met. We love you so much Ms. Kohler, may you rest well. 💕

Ms. Kohler never once turned me away, even when I was a senior and no longer taking her classes. She would always let me come catch up with her. While I did have her, she was one of the first adults I met that treated all of her students with respect. She was funny, witty, kind, and so accommodating where other staff wasn’t. She showed me the kind of person I wanted to become. I’ve always thought the absolute world of her and will continue to hold her memory with me as a reminder that humanity is kind at its core. Thank you for changing my life. Rest in peace, Ms. Kohler.

Man this hurts. Ms. Kohler and I had one of the most unique friendships that I’ve ever had with a teacher. She knew how to really get me laughing on a rough day and I would always keep her guessing with what I was gonna do in her class. 
She would go from teaching on a Friday to being at my bands show in Nashville that very night.  She was just incredible. For her to keep a smile while going through all of that just shows how much of a strong woman she was. We were all blessed to have known her in so many ways. She will forever live on through her students and RNHS. Rest in peace Ms. Kohler

As a freshman, I unfortunately never got the chance to meet her, but honestly, her influence was everywhere. Being super social, I heard so many stories and experiences from students and teachers, and it was clear she was more than just a teacher—she was a total legend. The way people talked about her, you could feel the love and respect they had for her. She left such a huge impact on everyone she met, and even those of us who didn’t get to know her still felt it. Her dedication and kindness right up to her last days made her unforgettable. She'll definitely keep inspiring all of us. Rest in peace 🩷🩷

As a freshman, I unfortunately never got the chance to meet her, but honestly, her influence was everywhere. Being super social, I heard so many stories and experiences from students and teachers, and it was clear she was more than just a teacher—she was a total legend. The way people talked about her, you could feel the love and respect they had for her. She left such a huge impact on everyone she met, and even those of us who didn’t get to know her still felt it. Her dedication and kindness right up to her last days made her unforgettable. She'll definitely keep inspiring all of us. Rest in peace.

Ms. Kohler was one of the strongest people I'd ever had the privilege of meeting. It was an inspiration to see her come too school despite everything that she was going through. She made us all feel so welcome and her class felt like such a safe place. I can only dream of having such a large impact on as many people as she did. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn't talk to her as much as I could have. I wish I could've seen her one last time this year. We'll miss you, Ms. Kohler ❤

I love Ms.Kohler and her class so much. She always made me laugh and she cared so much about her students. She had such a deep love for teaching. She was such a kind and had a beautiful soul, she was also just pleasant to be around. She was by far one of my favorite teachers I have ever had and I am so sad she is gone. She meant so much to Renaissance and all of her students. We all miss you so much Ms.Kohler. Thank you for always being a great teacher no matter the situation. Thank you for being so strong. May you rest in peace. 🤍🕊️

miss kohler was such a beautiful soul and made such a large impact on so many people, more than she would ever realize ❤️ she was the best teacher, and her humor was the best. she was there for so many when they needed her the most, and was such a caring individual for everyone around her. rest well miss kohler, we all love you and you will never be forgotten angel ❤️❤️

Ms. Kohler was my very first teacher at Renaissance. I saw her every morning for first period and it was an amazing start to my day. She was so incredibly smart and funny. I have so many amazing memories of her and I’m absolutely honored to have known her in the time that I did. I remember how happy everyone was to see Ms. Kohler the last time she came in. She was bright and bubbly and it was just so nice to see her. I wish I would have given her or a hug or said more to her. Her strength and perseverance inspires me. She was always so funny. I remember last year she made a point to let our class know she personally requested us for her advisory. Even though she probably ended up regretting that decision, I will be forever grateful she chose to spend her circle times with us. Her room was always a safe space and it will continue to be. She really was an incredible person. Thank you so much Ms. Kohler. Thank you for the jokes, the stories you’ve shared, the lessons you’ve taught, the Starbucks trips, all of it. Renaissance is not the same without you and it will never be the same again. There is a deep sadness in your absence. I hope you know how much you are loved and how fortunate we all are to have known you. I’ll think of you everyday. 
Thanks again for that 40 point curve on the final exam. You always had my back.

Mrs. Kohler was an amazing teacher and an even better person. She was always supportive of everyone and she genuinely cared about her students as if we were her own kids. She’s an absolute warrior and an inspiration to everyone who got to meet her. She fought to come to school every day to just get to see the kids that she loved and be there for all of us to teach even when it was apparent that she was not feeling well. I will always remember getting her unsweet tea during lunch, since it was her favourite. I hope they have unlimited sweet tea in heaven for her.
She was a wonderful person and we all miss her dearly. I pray she rests easily now knowing that she made everyone she met a better person.

Ms Kohler was an absolute warrior. An absolutely incredible woman, fighting cancer for that long. The respect I have for her is unfathomable. In sophomore year, I noticed that she started missing school and looked tired and weak. When her go fund me got posted, I cried and was in shock. The cancer wasn’t treatable. I knew I had to do something for her to show her that we were there for her. I spent the next whole night after school making her a poster that said “We love you Ms. Kohler!” I brought it to school the next morning, and people were signing it left and right. The whole poster was so full, it showed how many people were there to support her. I gave it to her at the end of the day, and the smile that formed her face was everything to me. She always put up with our shenanigans in freshman and sophomore year, and I loved having circle time with her and talking about how our day went. She still put on a smile through that pain. She was such a good teacher too, being engaged with the students and wanting us to learn. I’m so glad I got to see her one last time. She looked so happy. Thank you for everything Ms. Kohler, rest easy in heaven. 🕊️❤️

Miss Kohler was the best, she was one of the most honest and funny teachers I’ve ever had. I looked forward to her class everyday and I will miss her forever. She fought for so long and she deserves to rest, we all love you Miss Kohler.

I would always look forward to her class, I loved it when we played blooket before it was blocked and she would laugh as everyone was competing against one anothe. I loved the way she teaches and her sense of humor, she was an open book and that’s why I’ll miss her.
Rest in peace Ms Kohler you were a great teacher💕

Strong is nowhere near powerful enough of a word to describe Vanessa Kohler. She pushed through days that I could never even imagine having to endure, all while continuing to care for her community, family, and everyone around her. School was often very difficult for me, and Ms. Kohler would push me hard to feel prepared, but it was all while still showing kindness and empathy in the times that she could tell things were too much for me. She truly was very gifted in listening and understanding those who were struggling, all while she was struggling with things that most of us could never begin to understand. Her impact on this world is one that will always be remembered, and I hope that she can look down and feel how loved she is

She was so strong and so brave. Vanessa Kohler never wanted to feel like a burden and never complained about what was troubling and paining her the most. Not only did she care for her students, she would even on her worst days come in to school and teach what she loved the most and that's extremely admirable. Vanessa Kohler was inspiring and every moment with her will always be memorable.

to ms kohler, you were one of the best teachers ive ever had. you taught me so much and i was able to learn so much from you. youre ability to teach in a way that actually had me learning, and not just memorizing or trying to pass the class is something ill remember forever.

to anyone who may need to hear this, "when you are carrying a heavy weight, sometimes it's hard to do, but it doesn't mean you aren't string for being able to life it in the first place. sad, and broken hearted, and messy and strong as hell." -ysh at ttb

Going into my freshman year at RnHs last year, I really had no idea what to expect. I was so excited but so incredibly nervous. I was taking one AP class that year, which was AP Human Geography with Ms. Kohler. And after having that class that first week, I was very intimidated.  Mainly because she was just so incredibly smart. She was so organized. But she was also so down to earth. Not to mention how amazing her sense of humor was. She was always so patient with us. She wanted not just me, but EVERYONE to succeed. My friends and I were always giggling and goofing around in her class because we all sat by each other. She actually later on in the year started calling my friends and I “Giggle Gang”. I love that so much. I look back now and I think about how hard she worked, how strong she was. No matter what she always believed in me. She loved incorporating our academies into our assignments whenever she could too. I mean she was just an absolutely amazing human being. Words cannot even express how devastating her passing has been. Renaissance will literally never be the same without her. Im so glad I get to say I got to experience Ms. Kohler's class. We all love and miss you so much.

-Sofie (Giggle Gang)

Ms. Kohler was the kindest, most hilarious, and clever teacher and friend I have ever met. She wrote my teacher recommendation because I could not think of anybody in Renaissance that knew me better or that I had a stronger relationship with. She was my friend when I had none and my emotional rock for all of senior year. I miss you so much.

Ms Kohler was such an amazing teacher and an amazing human. She knew how to keep a rowdy class of kids in place, but she also knew when to let the shenanigans ensue. She was and always will be one of my favorite teachers I’ve ever had, and I will carry the impact she had on my worldview for the rest of my life. Ms Kohler, you were one of the greats. I hope that you are looking down now and can feel the love from your family of Renaissance students, staff, and graduates that will forever mourn your loss and honor your memory.

Ms. Kohler, I don’t even know where to begin. You were always an amazing teacher and human being, with such a bright soul. You may have taught me American history, but I learned so much more than that from you. I learned perspective, kindness, and empathy. You always knew how to make us laugh while also being serious when we needed tough love. I cannot express my gratitude enough for what you did for not only me, but my class and Renaissance as a whole. Your impact will stick with me in my heart perpetually. Rest in peace Ms. Kohler. ❤️

Ms Kohler’s class was the first I had every single morning, and I hated it so much but she made it fun. I remember how she had us play with legos to teach us the populations of different countries, how she always made sure to tell us to not stress over the tests. I wasn’t there for a lot of the year, but she helped me so much. She gave me a reason to go to school despite any hardships, because she went through so much worse and was pushing herself to come because I truly believe she loved her job. I couldn’t wait for junior year so I could have her class again, and build more of a relationship with her. I remember her little projects, how she fueled us to use our creativity for education, and how she tricked us all at the end of the year when she said we were doing a global map test. I hope she rests well, because she deserves everything.

I miss her so much she put up with so many of my shenanigans. Her class changed my whole perspective.

i wish i got to talk to her more. its a huge regret of mine. she was such an amazing teacher and really cared about what she taught. you couldn't have gotten this anywhere else. i wish the best for her family.

-bug

Miss Kohler was such a good human, she was so thoughtful in such subtle ways . I will never forget this woman for all that she’s done for this world, i will never meet someone as strong as her. 💕

Ms Kohler, you are one  of the strongest, funniest, and most independent women i know. despite all  of your struggles, you pushed through and continued to be the most incredible teacher for so many students. you have seriously changed my life. you were my first ever class at renaissance. the first teacher i met and got to truly know. we would all gather outside your class in the morning and wait for you to open the door for us. you have given me so many funny and loving memories from all the times you've taught me. your lessons, despite in history or current life, will stick with me forever. your memory will stick with me forever, along with so many other students. your impact on our school and the lives of so many outside of it is so incredible and you are such a light. may you rest easy now, i love you. 
- nox

Mrs. Kohler, you were an amazing teacher and more importantly an amazing person. You left an impact on everyone you taught, myself included. Renaissance will never be the same without you there, and I’m lucky I got to have you as a teacher.

Ms. Kohler one of the first adults in my life who actually made me feel like I was seen. I always acted like myself around her and over the years she got to see that person change. She would joke about how she wished I could go back to how I acted when we met because I was shy and quiet and never interrupted her in class, but when the school year was ending she told me how proud she was of me for building myself up to who I am today. I would not be who I am without her and I could not be more thankful. I am so grateful for every second I got to spend with her. She will forever be a part of me and in my heart.

A true teacher is someone who put theirs all into changing the lives of kids, molding their minds, teaching them the things they need to learn for the real world. A true teacher knows that they’re teaching the future leaders of the world, they put their heart and soul into each individual child & they love them all dearly. Mrs. Kohler was a true teacher. She gave her all for each individual student she had because she truly loved her career. She was impactful, and the best teacher I ever had. She changed the outlook I had on the world, and I believe I can say the same for many other students. When I was scared and afraid of coming into high school, she was warm and welcoming. She always had a smile when I walked in and regardless of if she was in pain, or having a bad day; she still strived to teach us good, valuable lessons. She wasn’t just a teacher, she was a friend. You were so loved Mrs. Kohler I hope you know that. You’ll always be remembered by all the hearts you touched in and outside the classroom.

I don’t understand how a person could be so knowing of the world, and all of it’s pain, and still so compassionate and patient in a space that was often filled with youthful rebellion, indignity, and rowdiness. She had such a strong understanding of the world around her which was taken to her advantage in her teachings and in the relationships she built. 

She was a strong role model for me as a woman and always loved my poetry. And more than that, she understood it.

She was tough as nails, and kept her heart tucked away, sprinkling the love that she confides in to lessons and interpersonal conversation like her own pixie dust. She was magical. 

God bless the family. An angel gained it’s wings yesterday.

I remember the first day I walked into her class freshman year. I was a cocky brat, overconfident and brash. I remember when we went back-and-forth, joke for joke, insult for insult that day. She saw I had potential and a good heart but I wasn’t portraying it the right way. Mrs. Kohler calmed me down, suppressed my ego. She was hard on me but it was for the best. I passed her class with not exactly flying colors that year but I brushed it off, and I gave her a hug at the end of that year and continued about my business.

 It wasn’t until junior year that my mentality changed. My ego had shrunk but I still had my smart mouth and laziness, she shut that down real quick. Within the first 2 weeks of being in her APUSH class I was already missing work, I didn’t understand how much effort I needed to put in this time, it wasn’t going to be like freshman year and she emphasized that fact. If it wasn’t for her patience and ability to lead the class effectively, I wouldn’t be the student nor the person I am today. 

I love you Mrs Kohler, even though I was probably one of your toughest challenges to your teaching career I loved every moment of it. Every joke cracked in class, every dumb question, every right and wrong answer, that loud cackle when we said the worst string of words possible, I loved it all, every moment of it. And i’m gonna assume that you did too. I hope you’re proud of us, and I hope that you can continue to watch us grow not just as students but as people. Ight now that’s enough of that side of me. I’ll catch you later, peace.

 -Darius

ms kohler always gave me a safe place at school. even if she was chucking candy at my head and telling me to go back to class, i knew i was always welcome in her room. she gave my senior toast & gave me the biggest hug when i walked off the stage after graduating. she is so loved and will be so, so missed. i’ll always love our photobooth prom pictures💟

OBITUARIO

Vanessa Rae Kohler

24 marzo, 1972 – 20 agosto, 2024

Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park

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