Published: April 22, 2008 06:30 pm            

Readers ID well-known man in photo

Several dozen readers wrote in about the Traverse Area Historical Society archive photo that appeared in the Community section on April 16. The man in the photograph was identified as the late Rev. Joseph E. Kohler who served as the pastor of Traverse City St. Francis Church from 1945 until his death in 1968. Several readers pointed out that Rev. Kohler not only served as pastor of the church, but was also the St. Francis superintendent.

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Cecilia Chouinard Wise, member of the St. Francis Class of 1957, had this to say about Rev. Kohler.

"The man in question is Reverend Joseph Kohler of St. Francis Parish. He was very well-known in the community and was very involved in the school system. I remember him so well because he passed out report cards to all the elementary students. He commented on the marks received and always had a word of encouragement for me. He also presided at my wedding in 1958 and baptized my first child. I had the utmost respect for Fr. Kohler."

        

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