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Bertram J. Cohler

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University of Chicago

Bertram Cohler Obituary

Bertram J. Cohler, 73, of Hyde Park, The William Rainey Harper Professor in the Department of Comparative Human Development at the University of Chicago, died May 9, 2012, surrounded by his family. Bert earned his B.A. from U of C, his Ph.D. from Harvard, and certification in Adult Psychoanalysis from the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. Until his illness, Bert taught at the U of C for 40 years and prided himself that he provided instruction for the larger student population as well as in Human Development. Bert was committed to providing pro bono psychotherapy and analysis to patients. He mentored and advised numerous graduate and post-graduate students from the U of C and other universities and supported psychiatry residents throughout their training. Bert was an active member in numerous professional organizations, both locally and nationwide. He was a prolific writer. He was a Dad and "Grampa" who cherished Sunday night suppers with his family with whom he deeply loved. Bert will be remembered as a wise, humble, gentle man. Bert was a hero, friend, and gift to all who knew and loved him both privately and professionally. Beloved partner of 19 years to Bill Hensley; husband of the late Anne Cohler (nee Meyers); cherished father of Jonathan (Amy) and James Cohler; very proud and loving grandfather of Emma, Kate, and Logan Cohler; brother of Betsy (Daniel Reisman) Lemal. Son of the late Jonas Robert Cohler and Theresa Belle "Betty" Cohler (nee Cahn). A celebration of his life is being planned and a scholarship is being established. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society.com.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on May 13, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Bertram Cohler

15 Entries

Milton Strauss

May 7, 2024

It is so good to see his face again. I learned from much from him when we were graduate students at the same time. So kind, thoughtful, helpful and smart, so mark but modest that is was a gift to know him those many years ago,

Lou Ann Millwe

April 24, 2013

Bert was my psychotherapist for 6 years. I so loved his insight and sense of humor. Saddened by his loss but blessed to have had him be such a strong influence on my life and happiness.

Kathy Plazmn

October 14, 2012

I knew Bert as an HD grad student in the late 70s.... His genuine care for his students taught me reverence for and the power of relationships in every context. Far more important than what to teach, Bert taught me how to teach.

Milton Strauss

August 29, 2012

Bert was a wonderful colleague and friend during our days at Boston Psycho. I learned a great deal about open-mindedness, friendship and caring from him. A wonderful person.

July 18, 2012

Bert was one of the wisest and most youthful men I have ever had the pleasure to know.

Sylvia L. Ginsparg, Ph.D.

May 29, 2012

I suspect that everyone who knew Burt Cohler has tales of his emtional generosity. Mine goes back to when I flew to Chicago to be examined on an adult control case. It was a Saturday morning and the committee members were straggling in. The Committee chairman was brusque and dismissive. Burt suddenly asked me if I would accompany him to bring back coffee for everyone. The Commitee Chairman announced emphatically, "She has to stay here!" Burt replied, "We'll be back in ten minutes." Once out of earshot, he said to me, "I just wanted to tell you that he
does that to everyone. Don't let it get to you." I think about that experience often. I not only received the committee's endorsement but I have always known that I did far better than I would have done without Burt's Intervention! We are all better for having known him.

Joseph Rembusch

May 20, 2012

It was my extreme pleasure to have Bert as my adviser for my M.L.A. in '05, and as my professor in Advanced Social Science Theory. I was within three months of his age. He was marvelously helpful, brilliant, and a deeply kind person who always reinforced student efforts. His general knowledge was vast and he made great comments that provided additional depth. I was counting on seeing him and several other U of C faculty again during Alumni Weekend, bringing six NIU Delta Upsilon seniors considering the U of C for grad work. Sorry you can't make, it Bert but I'm certain you would if you could! I understand! Thanks for all your help and thesis guidance to me, a retired psychologist, during my own M.L.A., as well as your help to three students I brought last year to Alumni Weekend. I'm sure you're happy where you are! God bless you, and my sincere condolences to your dear relatives.

David Messner

May 16, 2012

Bert was such a gifted, insightful and, above all, kind teacher and human. So much for us to be grateful for in having him with us. I took Bert's class on "Mourning" and I still remember his gentle reflections on loss and human capacity. My thoughts and prayers for his family.

Daniel Kaberon

May 16, 2012

Bert was my most important mentor when I was graduating from the college and in my early professional years. He was so insightful, caring, good humored and so very generous.

I am so sorry for your loss.

May 15, 2012

Bert was my long time friend and mentor, and I owe so much to his kindness, his wisdom, and his skills. The world is a smaller place today, without him in it.
Kurt White, AB'99

Karen Callahan

May 14, 2012

Our family is so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad Jonathan. He impacted so many lives in such a positive way and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ed and Karen Callahan and family

Neo Blackwood

May 13, 2012

Bert was a very warm and welcome addition to our O school family. He was a great mentor, colleague, father figure, and friend to so many generations of us. He didn't just teach us to grow up better, he allowed himself to grow with us. May he find peace, and as warm of a welcome and reception in Heaven as he gave to each of us O school students. Requiescat in pace, Bert, our dear friend.

Patrick Zimmerman

May 13, 2012

A gentle and inspiring man. Bert will be missed by many.

Isaac ABELLA

May 13, 2012

Bert was a great personal friend
as well a friend of the College

We will miss him

Greg Lindeman

May 13, 2012

Remarkable,inspiring,gentle,
encouraging,humble. If you had his company for one class or an entire life, you knew you had been given a unique and gracious gift. He shared knowledge through passion and he found passion by encouraging others. He was genuinely interested in the idea of seeking. May his memory be a blessing and may his work continue to lead and inspire.

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