Eugene Henry Kaehler
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 6B - July 13, 2012
Eugene Henry Kaehler passed
away peacefully in his sleep at his
home in Grand Junction, Colorado
on June 25, 2012.
Gene was born June 13, 1926, in
Sanborn, MN to Henry J. Kaehler
and Alma Ruana (Weber) Kaehler.
He grew up and attended
school in Walnut Grove, MN.
Gene had fond memories of the
cold winters and his paper route,
skipping school to go hunting
with his dad, working on his
uncle's farm and helping his dad
in his hardware, harness and shoe
repair shop. He told vivid stories
of snitching watermelons, tipping
over outhouses and many hunting
and fishing escapades from his
younger years.
Gene quit school and moved to
California to work alongside his
dad in the shipyards in the war effort.
He worked for two years giving his father the income to help
pay his mother's hospital bills. He became a certified welder at the
age of 17, a rare accomplishment in those days and one that served
him well all his life. In October 1944, he was called up and by February
of 1945, he was sent overseas via Hawaii for World War II.
He served in the US Army in the 7th Infantry Division in battles at
Saipan, Leyte and Okinawa. He came close to losing his life as
proven by a wallet he kept that was damaged by shrapnel. He became
very ill and spent many months in military hospitals before
and after coming stateside again. When he was released he was sent
home with little hope for recovery and in fact was told he would not
live past age 35. He rarely spoke of the terrible details of war but
rather regaled us with pranks he pulled demonstrating his sense of
humor. He was proud to have served but always said that "He was
not a hero, just a survivor". In recent years he enjoyed making the
Honor Flight to Washington, DC. He was touched by the trip and it
meant a great deal to him.
His enthusiasm for life sustained him and in 1948, he met the love
of his life, Nina Virginia Marie Stringer. He courted her for three
years while working in construction in El Cerrito, California with
his father and brothers known as Kaehler and Son's Construction.
Finally on June 15, 1951, Gene and Marie were wed. They continued
to have one of the most sincere, loving marriages for 61 years.
Gene continued in construction while living in Novato and Petaluma,
California for over 40 years. His primary occupation was general
contracting and his reputation grew as an innovative and skillful
builder. He was sought after by many and he left his mark with
countless homes, barns and commercial buildings in Sonoma and
Marin counties that remain as viable, essential structures still today.
He was passionate about woodworking and craftsmanship: building
cradles for his grandchildren, making pack saddles and sewing panniers,
wooden candlesticks, lamps, clocks, bowls and furniture. He
owned a ranch in California, raised beef cattle and was a down to
earth horseman. He loved the outdoors, spending time big game
hunting, fishing and especially bird hunting with Tiger his Chocolate
Labrador.
Gene's legacy to those other than family will always be his
volunteer work. While in California he served as President of the
Board of Directors for the Girls Club, Boy Scout Leader, he built a
"Good Turn House" for the scouts (all profits benefit the scouts),
was Deputy District Governor for the Lions Club, and was the area
Director and supporter of Special Olympics. He served in the
Novato Lions Club, the Adobe Lions Club and was instrumental in
the origination of the 7-11 Lions Club in Sonoma County as well.
In 1989, Gene and Marie moved to Grand Junction, Colorado to
retire and be closer to their grandchildren. Gene continued his
volunteer work by joining the Redlands Lions Club and remained a
member until his passing. In 2012, he received their highest honor
the Humanitarian Award for the inspiration and dedication to start
the American flag program. He loved the flag and was a patriot
through and through. He was also on the Board of Directors of the
Redlands Community Center for many years helping with a
multitude of projects there. He was the President of Ducks
Unlimited at one time and a lifetime member of VFW post 3981.
The family thanks Val, Darrell, Betsy and Dan of Hospice for all of
their help and support in the last five months. Gene understood his
situation and had come to terms with it. He set out to accomplish
some tasks that were important to him. He spent time with his
beloved wife, Marie, his daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren
and his precious great grandchild. He traveled to Craig to visit; his
brother and sister came to see him and later his friend Paul came all
the way from California as well. He contacted all of his friends and
family, talking to his son, Tom and spending hours on the phone.
Others came some distance to visit as well. Although we weren't
ready, he was. He lived a full life and was a good friend to many. He
will be greatly missed.
Gene had a boisterous enthusiasm for life and never knew a
stranger. He had a hearty laugh, a big smile and sincere desire to
help others. He loved much. He is survived by his loving wife of 61
years, Nina Marie Kaehler of Grand Junction; one son, Tommy E.
Kaehler (Maryann) of Novato, CA; two daughters, Carolyn M.
Kaehler of Grand Junction, CO, and Sharon L. Stoddard (Jim) of
Craig, CO; three grandchildren, Phillip N. Tyler(Melanie)
Westminster, CO; Treva R. Millard (Kevin) of Grand Junction, CO,
and Benjamin Stoddard of Craig, CO; one great-grandson, Kaeden J.
Tyler of Westminster, CO; one brother, Roger (Aggie) Kaehler of
Poway, CA; one sister, Dalores (Larry) Bevan of San Diego, CA;
one brother-in-law, C.J. Stringer (Sue) of Bowling Green, Kentucky;
like a daughter, Karen LaBonte(Gerry) of Meeker, CO, and many
nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends.
The funeral service was held at Callahan-Edfast on June 30th and
presided over by Reverend Ron Powers of Shepherd of the Valley
Lutheran Church in Grand Junction, CO. The interment took place
on Monday, July 2nd at the VA Cemetery in Grand Junction, CO
with Ron Powers presiding. A very moving ceremony was provided
by the Grand Valley Combined Honor Guard with full Military
honors, including a 21 gun salute, taps and presentation of the flag
to his wife, Marie Kaehler. Pallbearers were Pat Casselberry, Reggie
Sanderson, Joe Carroll, Gerry LaBonte, Jim Stoddard and his son,
Ben. Honorary Pallbearers were Kevin Millard (US Army,
Afghanistan), Phillip Tyler, Bob Klein, Jeff Yarnell, Paul Scheller,
Skip Hughes and Ron Drake.
Gene had requested that memorial donations may be made to
Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090 N 12th St.,
Unit B, Grand Junction, CO 81506, Redlands Lions Club, POB
4671, Grand Junction, CO 81502, The VAMC, Community Living
Center, GPF311, 2121 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501 or
VFW Post 3981, POB 4232, Grand Junction, CO 81502.
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 6 A Notice - June 28, 2012
Eugene Henry Kaehler, 86, Grand Junction, died June 25,
2012, at home.
Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and again from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday
at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary. A service is 3 p.m. Saturday
at Callahan-Edfast. Burial is 1 p.m. Monday at Veterans Memorial
Cemetery of Western Colorado.
Survivors include one son, Tommy of Novato, Calif.; two daughters,
Carolyn Kaehler of Grand Junction, and Sharon Stoddard of
Craig; one brother, Roger L. Kaehler; one sister, Dalores Bevan;
three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative
Care of Western Colorado, Redlands Lions Club or the Veterans Affairs
Medical Center.
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 5B - June 30, 2012
Eugene Henry Kaehler, 86, Grand Junction, died June 25,
2012, at his home.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday and from 1-3 p.m. Saturday
at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary. Services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday
at the mortuary. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the Veterans
Cemetery of Western Colorado, 2830 D Road, Grand Junction 81501.
Survivors include his wife, Nina Marie; one son, Tommy of Navato,
Calif.; two daughters, Carolyn Kaehler of Grand Junction and
Sharon Stoddard of Craig; one brother, Roger L. Kaehler; one sister,
Dalores Bevan; three grandchildren; and one grandchild.
Memorial contributions to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western
Colorado, 3090 B N. 12th St., Grand Junction 81506.
