Delbert Elmer "Pete" Kahler was born July 30, 1928 at his parents home, Reinhold and Leona (Besmer) Kahler, near Herrick, South Dakota. He died February 20, 2015 at his home in Burke, South Dakota at the age of 86 years.

Pete attended country school south of Herrick through the eighth grade. He entered the United States Army on April 19, 1951 and served as a tank driver, driving tank #37. He was discharged on April 10, 1953 and returned to Gregory County. Pete was united in marriage to Belva Stevicks on March 14, 1955, they farmed in the Herrick area until 1956. They then moved to the Lucas area to the Stevicks farm in 1956. Pete and Belva continued to live on the farm until 1973, when they moved to Burke. Pete continued farming until their farm sale in 1995. They then rented their land to Mel and Vicki Peck, who later purchased it from them.

Pete was a life member of the VFW Post #9950 in Burke where he also served as the Commander in 1980. He also helped in the construction of the Community Memorial Hospital in Burke. He had a love for baseball and playing pitch. He earned the nickname of 'happy jack' because he always had a jack to set you with.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Mildred Rolf, Melvin Kahler, Marvin Rolf and LaVern Rolf. He is survived by his wife, Belva of Burke, SD; his siblings: Kenneth (Deanna) Kahler of Burke, SD and Lawrence (Gloria) Rolf of Johnstown, CO; Valera Lanz of Gregory, SD, as well as several other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke. Visitation will be one hour prior the service at the funeral home.