Robert Lynn Cohrs

With love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Robert Lynn Cohrs, who died on July 3 at the age of 84 in San Diego, California.

Bob was born on April 16, 1942, to Fred William Cohrs and Emma Marie Cohrs. He grew up in Napoleon, Ohio, and attended St. Paul Lutheran School and Napoleon High School. His education at St. Paul Lutheran School provided a foundation of faith, integrity, honesty, and trust—values that shaped his character and guided him throughout his life. Bob was known for his remarkable intellect, genuine kindness, generous spirit, and infectious smile.

Bob was awarded a scholarship to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, before continuing his studies at The Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan and an MBA in International Business from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Following law school, Bob worked at the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, D.C., before embarking on a career in international banking and finance.

Early in his career, Bob lived and worked in São Paulo and Buenos Aires, where he originated international trade financing and structured the acquisition of a Brazilian bank franchise for the First National Bank of Boston. He also spent a year on assignment representing the bank at the United States Export-Import Bank. Throughout his career, Bob held executive leadership positions with California Commerce Bank, Project Funding Associates, Integrity Medical Capital, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Following his retirement from the FDIC, he served as a Patent Mediation Panel Member for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C.

Most recently, Bob found great joy in teaching corporate and international finance at National University in San Diego. His students loved him, and he may have loved them even more. He was energized by helping students succeed and inspiring them to pursue their personal and professional goals.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Judith Cohrs; his three stepchildren, John Jennings (Lauren) and their children, Savanna, Jordan, and Dawson; Bryan Jennings (Katerina) and their children, Ella, Kira, and Mira; and Sarah Murphy (Thomas) and their children, Brianna, Catherine, and Chloe. He is also survived by many cherished friends and extended family members. A proud, supportive, and loving stepfather and grandfather, Bob was deeply devoted to his family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Among Bob’s greatest joys was traveling the world with his wife, Judy. Together, they shared adventures throughout the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region, creating a lifetime of treasured memories. He was also an avid sports fan, with a remarkable knowledge of football and baseball players, coaches, statistics, and trivia. A passionate University of Michigan football fan, Bob rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his Wolverines, and “Go Blue!” was one of his favorite sayings.

For many years, Bob cherished his Saturday morning breakfast tradition with his close friends at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. He rarely missed a Saturday with “the boys,” and these enduring friendships held a special place in his life.

Above all, Bob treasured his family. He wholeheartedly embraced his role as a stepfather and delighted in being “Opa” to his grandchildren. As they grew, he listened, encouraged, explored, and inspired, building a unique and lasting relationship with each of them. Bob seemed to have cracked the code on what mattered most: being a loving husband, a devoted stepfather and grandfather, and a loyal friend. Through his kindness, curiosity, encouragement, and love, he created relationships and memories that will be cherished for generations.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, at 11:00 a.m. at The Village Community Presbyterian Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, California 92067. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund at St. Paul Lutheran School, 1075 Glenwood Ave., Napoleon, OH 43545. The family also invites those who wish to honor Bob's memory to do so through a simple act of kindness.