I am sorry to learn about Dick’s premature passing.

I was privileged to know Dick since 1972 when I started to work for Siemens X-ray; he was always the most gifted sales person and a good friend.  I still think of the time he was coming back from Karlsruhe, Germany and starred in the American Express commercial.   He was chosen because he looked and was always a professional person.

I will personally remember him as a most honest and the fairest salesmen in his field.

Howard Schutzbank
Madison, WI
Still actively working (Bruker AXS formerly Siemens) in the business Dick started…

We were privileged to know Dick and Pat during our 6 yr. residency in Cherry Hill.  "Wonderful neighbor and friend" is a good description of Dick.  We will keep your family in our prayers for comfort and peace in your mourning.

Bev and Don Erickson, Minneapolis, MN.

Dear Mrs. Kohler and Family,

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Kohler.  He was my 3rd grade Sunday School teacher back in 1981 – 82.  He encouraged all of us to read more and took many of us on our very first ski trip.  When I was 17 I returned to his classroom as a high school helper.  From the time I was in 3rd grade until well past my college graduation, he would send me Christmas cards with well wishes and comics and truly was one of few connections back to Trinity as I entered adulthood.

His warmth, love and commitment to children was profound and reverberated through many lives. He has left behind a beautiful legacy as those who knew him were truly blessed.

Please accept my sincerest condolences.  I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

With love,

Joanie Balderstone
Cherry Hill, NJ

Dear Pat and family,

Charlie and I forward our deepest sympathies to you. A unique light in this world has been extinguished.

I had the opportunity to work off and on for many years with Dick in the Trinity Church School program. His development of the Bible Vocabulary Series was truly inspired!It was a terrific adjunct to our regular curriculum and for we teachers, it provided a concrete knowledge base from which to work year to year.The Trinity Bowl(the students’ chance to show all they learned in Dick’s program)is probably the fondest memory of every child’s Sunday School years.

One of Dick’s greatest stregnths was his connection with his Sunday School students. My sons, along with countless others fortunate enough to have him as their teacher,, received yearly Christmas cards with a handwritten note full of encouraging and confidence building messages. These young people were in no doubt that Mr. Kohler remembered them and still cared about them as they grew into adulthood.I can’t even imagine how many weeks he must have spent writing those notes each year!

Marti Crothers

Dear Pat & Family,

Please accept our deepest sympathy. Dick was such a special person reaching out to so many. We have the best memories of Dick at Trinity Presbyterian Church. He was loved by all and made every person feel like they were the very BEST!! He always went out of his way to make everyone feel special and loved. Our family was fortunate to have our three sons John, Jeffrey and Jason be a Sunday school helper to Dick. How fortunate they all were to be exposed to such a wonderful man.

Our church was blessed to have Dick. He made learning FUN and challenging. Dick was always introducing new ideas, contests etc. which enriched the minds and lives of the children. He was a blessing to everyone who knew him.

I can remember him taking bike rides and passing by our house which gave us another opportunity to chat with him. How thoughtful of him to send Christmas cards to many of his previous students for many, many, many years. Our son Jason was one of those students. He always made his previous students feel special and took the time to individualize his message.

I know his death is too premature. I am sure he still had lots to do to make our world a better place.

Please know that we are truly thankful for his life and his presence in our lives.

With our deepest sympathy,

Linda & John Schenk

Pat and Family,

I am very saddened to hear of Dick’s passing. He was such a pillar of strength to so many at Trinity Presbyterian Church and someone who was looked up to by all. His inteligence, energy, and outgoing personality will always be remembered. His passing is a personal loss for me. May peace be with you and yours.

Bob Parker
Former Clerk of Session

I am deeply saddened to see that Dick has passed on. I met him several years ago through HOSTS at Lafayette Elementary School. He had a wonderful personality and was always a lot of fun to be around. He spoke highly of his family. He was so proud of Susan and the book she wrote. Dick was especially proud of her dedication.

Deepest Sympathy,

Barb McGee