Dr. Robert Kohrman

Dr. Robert ("Bob") Kohrman, age 85, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026. Born on December 17, 1940, he was the son of Dr. George E. and Elsie Kohrman, formerly of Kalamazoo. On September 1, 1962, he married Cordelia ("Dee") Kohrman, beginning a lifelong partnership defined by devotion, shared purpose, and a deep love of family. Bob's life was marked by a steadfast commitment to education, intellectual curiosity, and service. He earned degrees from University High School ('58), the University of Michigan, Miami University, and MIT. His career in chemistry was inspired early on by his University High School teacher, Carl Engels. Though he had opportunities to pursue a more lucrative career in industry, Bob chose instead the path of higher education, following in his father's footsteps. He was drawn by a calling to teach and to contribute to the intellectual growth of others. In 1968, Bob joined Central Michigan University (CMU), where he would dedicate the next 39 years of his life. Over the course of his distinguished career, he served in numerous roles, including professor of chemistry, department chair, associate dean, interim provost, and ultimately dean, mirroring his father's own academic leadership at Western Michigan University. Above all, Bob loved to teach, inspiring many of his students to pursue their own paths in chemistry. His academic career was distinguished not only by leadership, but also by scholarly achievement and innovation. In the 1970s, he became deeply engaged in research and was awarded CMU's first university patent. He rose to the rank of full professor and received numerous honors, including the CMU Centennial Award and multiple teaching awards. In 2014, the university recognized his extraordinary contributions with an honorary Doctor of Science degree, honoris causa. Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Dee Kohrman; his children, Lela Squire and Rob Kohrman; his grandchildren, Alex (Kalamazoo), Andrew, and Sydney Kohrman, and Patrick and Matthew Squire; and his brother, George R. Kohrman (Kalamazoo). He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Joan Addison. A service celebrating Bob's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant on April 25, 2026, with visitation at 10:30 a.m., followed by the service at 11:30 a.m., and a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. For a fuller tribute to his life, please visit the Clark Funeral Chapel website: https://www.clarkfuneralchapel.com/