John H Kahler Iii

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