Cohler 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, he taught at U. of C. for 40 years and prided himself that he provided instruction for the larger student population as well as in human development.
Cohler was committed to providing pro bono psychotherapy and analysis to patients. He mentored and advised numerous graduate and post-graduate students from U. of C. and other universities, and supported psychiatry residents throughout their training. Cohler was an active member in numerous professional organizations, both locally and nationwide. He was a prolific writer, and was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award.
He was “Dad” and “Grampa” who cherished Sunday-night suppers with his family, whom he deeply loved. He will be remembered as a wise, humble, gentle man. He was a hero, friend, and gift to all who knew and loved him both privately and professionally.
Cohler was also involved with organizations such as Lambda Legal.
He was the 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.
Cohler was also the son of the late Jonas Robert Cohler and Theresa Belle “Betty” Cohler (nee Cahn).
A website has been created to share memories/thoughts about Cohler at bertramcohler.wordpress.com. A memorial service will be held Monday, June 4, at 6 p.m. at the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel at the University of Chicago, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave. Also, donations can be sent to the Bert Cohler Fund at John Lucy, The University of Chicago, Department of Comparative Human Development, 5730 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60637.
Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society.com