On Friday, May 15, 2015, Robert “Bob” Deane Kahler, suddenly left his family at his Prior Lake home and is now in the arms of his angel. He will always be remembered for enriching the lives of everyone with whom he made contact. Bob’s outlook on life and attitude toward people was unique and special. Bob appreciated the time he was given and was thankful for the care provided by Allina Hospice.
All of the services will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN. The visitation will be on Friday, May 22, 2015 from 2-4 pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 4 pm. Jean Breeggemann will lead the service and full military honors will be provided by the Prior Lake V.F.W. Post 6208 Honor Guard. Bob will be laid to rest at a private family interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
In Iowa City, Iowa, Emmett and Margaret (Bates) Kahler proudly announced the birth of their youngest of four children, Bob, on August 3, 1934. Most of his life, Bob grew up in Austin, MN, on a hobby farm, tending to the animals and crops. He also had side jobs, Bob delivered newspapers with the help of his pony and cart. He rode a retired race horse to deliver water for the country school. He spent a few summers de-tasseling corn in Blue Earth, MN. Bob graduated from the Austin High School in 1953.
Bob proudly served in the United States Army in the 826th Engineer Aviation Battalion from July 1953 to May 1955. He entered the service as the Korean War was ending and was discharged as the Vietnam Conflict was beginning. Returning from the service, Bob attended college in Iowa and Mankato, MN. He began working for Thermo King Corporation full time, to help pay for college. Bob enjoyed his work so much that for the next 43 years he worked in various positions within the company. Most of the years were in management and a few years as the President of Operations, in Belgium and Ireland. We can’t forget about back in the day, Bob was part owner of the Waverly Bowling Alley.
The greatest passion in Bob’s life was being a husband, dad and grandpa. On September 21, 1957, at the Church of Christ in Austin, MN, he married the love of his life, Dorene “Kay” Hall. For over 57 years, they were each other’s world and truly were in love. Bob and Kay were blessed with four beautiful children, Mike, Greg, Cindy and Connie. As a family, they lived 10 years in Minneapolis, before moving to Prior Lake in 1967. The best times were spent boating on Prior Lake and watching the activities of Candy Cove, especially on the Fourth of July. Bob and Kay were blessed with being able to see the world due to his job. Around 20 years, they also enjoyed spending winters in Fort Meyers, Florida. Bob was most honored of being a grandpa to 9 wonderful and successful grandchildren. He relished attending their sporting events, baking them fresh cookies and making each one laugh.
In his leisure time, Bob was an avid Twins, Vikings and U of M sports fan. He also enjoyed bowling and playing slow pitch softball, in his earlier years. Bob took great pleasure in beating anyone in a game of golf and in later years, watching sporting events on TV. Playing cards and dominoes are other activities he enjoyed with family and friends.
Left to honor Bob’s life and will miss him greatly is wife of 57years, Dorene “Kay”; children, Mike (Laurie) Kahler, Greg (Shireen) Kahler, Cindy (Dan) Johnson, Connie (Leia) Kahler-Clark; grandchildren, Kristin (Pat) Martin, Amanda (Tom) Martin, Joshua Kahler, Jamison Kahler, Zach Johnson, Ben Johnson, Nick Johnson, Reese Kahler-Clark and Dylan Kahler-Clark; brother-in-law, Alvin Noterman; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Bob was welcomed home in heaven by his parents; siblings, Kenneth (Jackie) Kahler, Russell Kahler and Shirley Noterman.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Kahler family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
