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Eugene Henry “Gene” Kaehler

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Eugene Henry “Gene” Kaehler

Birth
Sanborn, Redwood County, Minnesota, USA
Death
25 Jun 2012 (aged 86)
Grand Junction, Mesa County, Colorado, USA
Burial
Grand Junction, Mesa County, Colorado, USA Add to Map
Plot
Sec. 1D, Row J, Site 4
Memorial ID
View Source
Eugene Henry Kaehler
June 13, 1926 – June 25, 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, Minnesota, 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, and Sharon L. Stoddard (Jim), of Craig; three grandchildren: Phillip N. Tyler(Melanie), of Westminster, Treva R. Millard (Kevin), of Grand Junction, and Benjamin Stoddard, of Craig; great-grandson, Kaeden J. Tyler, of Westminster; brother, Roger (Aggie) Kaehler, of Poway, CA; sister, Dalores (Larry) Bevan, of San Diego, CA; brother-in-law, C.J. Stringer (Sue), of Bowling Green, KY; like a daughter, Karen LaBonte (Gerry), of Meeker; 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.

Published in The Daily Sentinel on July 13, 2012
Eugene Henry Kaehler
June 13, 1926 – June 25, 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, Minnesota, 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, and Sharon L. Stoddard (Jim), of Craig; three grandchildren: Phillip N. Tyler(Melanie), of Westminster, Treva R. Millard (Kevin), of Grand Junction, and Benjamin Stoddard, of Craig; great-grandson, Kaeden J. Tyler, of Westminster; brother, Roger (Aggie) Kaehler, of Poway, CA; sister, Dalores (Larry) Bevan, of San Diego, CA; brother-in-law, C.J. Stringer (Sue), of Bowling Green, KY; like a daughter, Karen LaBonte (Gerry), of Meeker; 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.

Published in The Daily Sentinel on July 13, 2012


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  • Maintained by: Sunshyn~N~Angels
  • Originally Created by: Barb
  • Added: Aug 31, 2012
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/96303636/eugene_henry-kaehler: accessed ), memorial page for Eugene Henry “Gene” Kaehler (13 Jun 1926–25 Jun 2012), Find a Grave Memorial ID 96303636, citing Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, Grand Junction, Mesa County, Colorado, USA; Maintained by Sunshyn~N~Angels (contributor 49611461).