Reverend William Edward Kohler
November 5, 1941 — April 30, 2024
With hope in the Resurrection, we commend to the Lord,
Reverend William Edward Kohler
who died on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the age of 82.
Born on November 5, 1941, in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Father began his priestly formation at Saint Francis Minor Seminary in St. Francis from 1955 – 1960 and Saint Francis Major Seminary in St. Francis from 1960 – 1967. Father was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1967, by the Most Reverend William E. Cousins at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee.
Father Kohler was first assigned as Curate at St. Agnes Parish in Milwaukee on June 27, 1967. On February 27, 1968, he was appointed Curate at St. Joseph Parish in Waukesha. Father was assigned Consultant for Adult Education and Sacramental Programs in the Office of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on June 12, 1973. On August 1, 1983, he was appointed Chaplain and Lecturer at Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee. He was assigned as Pastor at Mary Queen of Heaven Parish in West Allis on June 22, 1993. On October 13, 1998, Father was appointed Associate Vicar for Clergy and Director of the Priests' Placement Board for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He was assigned to St. Leonard Parish in Muskego as Pastor on June 21, 2005. On September 8, 2010, Father was appointed Moderator of the Curia and Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He retired from active ministry on December 31, 2016.
A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for Father Kohler will be celebrated at St. Leonard Parish, W173 S7743 Westwood Dr., Muskego on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. Priest friends and former colleagues are invited to concelebrate; please bring an alb and white stole. Visitation will be held at St. Leonard Parish on Friday, May 10, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Burial will be at a later date at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 3800 E. College Ave., Cudahy. In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to St. Leonard Catholic Church Muskego.
Members of the Purgatorial Society will please offer the prescribed Mass for the repose of his soul and include Father Kohler’s intention in the General Intercessions at the parish.
May he rest in peace.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be live-streamed on the link found below:
https://youtube.com/live/mpE9VnZD8VU?feature=share
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