"I knew John as a Commissioner and Friend when I worked for the Airports Commission. Johne was always ready to listen and was not only interested in what you were doing but also how you were doing. John gave good counsel that was based in wisdom and experience. Mary and Family--I know you will miss John but know that he was well respected and a friend to all. Tim Callister"
In loving memory of
John H Kahler III
March 5, 1928 - October 28, 2011
John H. Kahler III March 5, 1928 October 28, 2011
John is soaring with the eagles.He passed away holding Mary's hand on October 28 in Rochester.He will be lovingly remember and missed by his wife of (almost) 60 years, Mary, his children Pat (Cara), Mike (Fran) and Betsy (Mark), his grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother David Kahler, Indy and Camo.
He had a life long love of flying, starting with his solo at age 14.From crop dusting in southern Minnesota, Captain in the Navy of a helicopter squadron and most recently soaring in gliders in Stanton, all of aviation and its history was a passion.He traveled the world visiting air museums, was a member of the Metropolitan Airport Commission and on the board of the Air Guard Museum in Minneapolis.An active member of the Navy QB's and a charter member of the Rochester Hanger, John reveled in all things air related.
John's career in the hotel industry began at birth, with his first bed being a dresser drawer at the Lowell Inn at Stillwater, which his parents opened, followed up by working the Sherwood Forest Inn on Gull Lake which his parents owned.John and Mary successfully ran a small motel and later a steakhouse in Fairmont, MN before he joined the Kahler Corporation.His job there may have been acquisitions of sites around the country, but he knew the names of all the employees- from the bus boy to the manger, and was interested in their day to day lives.Employees, friends and family admire his care and consideration, making his job and life successful and fulfilling.So successful he was elected to the Minnesota Hospitality Hall of Fame.
John was also very generous with his time volunteering to giving back to the community.He was long involved with the Rochester area Boy Scouts, Man of the Year and President of the Exchange Club, he also participated in SCORE, mentoring others with a zeal for their own business and recently involved with Camp Confidence in northern Minnesota.
Service will be at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home in Rochester, Minnesota on Wednesday November 2, 2011 at 2 pm.Visitation will be one hour before.The Captain would prefer memorials to the Air Guard Museum or Stanton Aviation.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"I have known Pat and Mike for over 30 years. We lived next to each other and went to school together. Sorry for your loss. Just remember, your dad is in a better place now. Give your mom a hug for me. Sincerely, Robert Eide"
"Mary and family........enjoyed and admired John during our years of service on the Metro Airports Commission...he was a classy guy with a good sense of humor.......hope you all are finding the support you need. Paul Rehkamp"
"I have known Pat and Mike for over 30 years. We lived by each other and went to school together. Just remember your dad is in a better place. Give your mom a hug for me. Robert Eide"
"Pat, Mike and Betsy, Sorry to read about your Dad, what a GREAT GUY ! He will be missed......"
"John Kahler was indeed a very kind and considerate \"boss.\" I met him when I worked at the Kahler Penthouse Restaurant. He always made time to say hello, and was well-liked and respected by all."
"I met John twenty years ago at the Minneapolis \'\'\'QB\" Hanger. He always had a good story to entertain the group with, and he was very considerate of, and helpful to, new prospective members \"learning the ropes.\" John was a good guy, and he loved every facet of aviation. Blue Skies John, Vic"
"Eve and I were saddened yesterday to hear of John\\\\\\\'s death. Our utmost sympathies to Mary and all of John\\\\\\\'s family. John was a long time member of the Minnesota Soaring Club and we greatly appreciated his rare sense of humor and outlook on the day\\\\\\\'s events. He is missed and will be long remembered. Sincerely, Dick Smith"