Rev. Msgr. Eugene C. Kohls, PA, JCD
Deceased: 2023-10-12
Diocese: ST AUGUSTINE
CSM Graduation Year: 1964
Monsignor. Eugene C. Kohls, J.C.D., P.A. passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on October 12, 2023. He was born in Ottawa, OH on December 23, 1931, to Cornelius J. Kohls and Mary Rose Recker. He grew up in Leipsic, OH, and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School. At age thirteen, he went to the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH and was ordained to the Priesthood on May 25, 1957 for the Diocese of St. Augustine.
His first year in Florida under Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley, D.D. (1940 – 1967) was spent in St. Petersburg assigned to Bishop Barry High School and Sacred Heart Parish, Pinellas Park. In July 1958, he became Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of St. Augustine. In September, 1961 he was sent to Rome, Italy to get a degree in Canon (Church) Law at the Pontifical Lateran University.
In July, 1964, he returned to St. Augustine with a Doctorate and in August was assigned as Administrator of Blessed Trinity Parish, Jacksonville and continued to work as Vice-Chancellor.
In December, 1966, he was appointed as Chancellor of the Diocese of St. Augustine and in January, 1967, he was appointed Pastor of Resurrection Parish, Jacksonville. In August, 1967, he was made a Monsignor as a Chaplain to His Holiness. Under Bishop Paul Tanner (1968 – 1979) he continued as Chancellor and Pastor of Resurrection.
In January, 1970, he was made an Honorary Prelate of His Holiness and in November, 1970, he was appointed a Vicar General of the Diocese. In December, 1974, he was made a Proto-notary Apostolic of the Holy See and in June, 1977, he was appointed Pastor of Assumption Parish, Jacksonville.
In December, 1979, he continued as Chancellor and Pastor of Assumption under Bishop John J. Snyder, D.D. (1979 – 2001). In May, 1992, he was relieved of his appointment as Chancellor.
Under Bishop Victor Galeone, D.D. (2001 – 2011) he continued as Pastor of Assumption until he retired in June, 2002. Under Bishop Felipe J. Estevez, S.T.D., he helped out in the local parishes when requested.
Msgr. was predeceased by his parents, uncles and aunts. He is survived by his brother, Richard F. Kohls (Joann), and his sister, Betty K. Thibault (Normand), and his nephews John Kohls (Lisa), David Kohls (Janice), Gary Kohls (Cheryl), Mark Kohls (Karen), and his nieces, Karen K. Selhorst (Rick), Lynn M. White (Robbie) and Jean Thibault, and 18 grand nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 2403 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207; Vigil Prayers at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Assumption Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023. The private burial will take place at a later date
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207. In lieu of flowers, you may make donations for Assumption School, at 2403 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
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