Rev. Peter D. Kohler, M.S., 73, a member of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette, Province of Mary, Mother of the Americas, died Saturday, June 28, 2014. Father Kohler was born on June 2, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri, son of the late Dr. Eugene and Cecelia (Ryan) Kohler. After attending schools in St. Louis, he studied at the La Salette High School Seminary in Jefferson City, Missouri. He began his novitiate on June 16, 1961 in Bloomfield, Connecticut and made First Profession of vows on July 2, 1962. After completing his studies at the La Salette Seminary in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Father Kohler was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1968 in Jefferson City, Missouri, by Bishop Joseph Marling.

Father Kohler began his ministry at Our Lady of Prompt Succor and Our Lady of La Salette parishes in Sulphur, Louisiana and later served in parishes in Maplewood, Missouri, and Berkley, Michigan. Father served in the La Salette mission in Morondava, Madagascar from 1971 to 1976.

He provided La Salette community service as mission procurator from 1976 to 1985 and served in administrative capacities for the La Salette Community as Provincial Assistant, Area Coordinator and Provincial Secretary. He served on four Provincial Councils and was active in vocation and formation programs as well.

Father Kohler has resided in Hartford at the La Salette House since 2011. In recent years he has been very active in assisting the missions and charitable causes such as CFCA, known today as Unbound, as a spokesperson.

In addition to his La Salette confreres, Father Kohler is survived by a brother, Father Lawrence Kohler, M.S., of Sulphur, Louisiana; a sister, Loretta Hein of Ballwin, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews and friends. He was predeceased by four brothers, John;
Richard; Father Joseph, a diocesan priest; and Eugene and a sister, Betty.

Father Kohler has donated his body for use in medical education and research. A Memorial Mass for him will be held at the Hartford House Chapel, in Hartford, Connecticut on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. The La Salette Community, family and friends will gather at 10:00 a.m. for a prayer service. A luncheon at Hartford House will follow the Memorial Mass.

Contributions may be made in Father Kohler's memory to the Missionaries of La Salette Retirement Fund, 915 Maple Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114-2330.