Kenneth Reinhold Kahler was born at home near Herrick, SD on August 10, 1933 to Reinhold and Leona (Besmer) Kahler. Kenny was the youngest of the 4 (four) Kahler children, he was raised on the family farm southwest of Herrick. His father passed away when Kenny was only 2 years old from a burst appendix. His mother remarried Charlie Rolf a few years later and 4 (four) half siblings were added to the family.

Kenny attended grade school at the Miller School through the 8th grade. He went on to work for local ranchers, including Francis McCarthy and Hank Kannenberg. In 1954 he enlisted in the United States Army, he served until 1956. He worked with Company A 97th Engineer Battalion, mainly in France. Upon returning home, he met Deanna Lingenfelter at a dance in Naper, Ne. They were married on March 9th, 1957 at the Lutheran Church in Herrick, SD. They spent their first 10 years of their married life ranching in South Dakota.

In 1967 Kenny and Deanna packed up 5 children and moved to Wisconsin to operate a dairy and hog farm, here they welcomed their 6th child. After 14 years in Wisconsin, they moved to Missouri to continue on with dairy farming. Kenny had been stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, MO for basic training and thought Missouri was a beautiful state. After 7 years in Missouri the final move was made back to the home farm South of Burke. The joke in the family was always made that if you want to get rid of the kids- move from state to state, marry them off, and move back to the home place.

Kenny continued on with raising beef for another 35 years, until retirement in 2021.

Kenny loved spending time with his family and friends. Always an invite to play cards upon entering the Kahler home. He cherished all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren when they visited, as this always brought a smile to his face. Playing baseball with homemade bases and telling stories was such a highlight for the grandkids.

He will be missed by his wife of 66 years, Deanna; Debra (Rick) MacDonald, Hermosa, SD; Larry Kahler, Harrisburg, MO; Russel Kahler, Hartville, MO; Tony Kahler, Berger, MO; Brenda (Dale) Pounds, Houston, MO; Linda (Byrain) Boes, Burke, SD.

Along with 19 grandchildren and 49 great grandchildren; half-sister, Valera Lanz, Gregory, SD; numerous nieces and nephews.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Reinhold and Leona; step father, Charlie Rolf, brothers: Delbert (Pete) Kahler, Melvin (Doc) Kahler; half brothers: Marvin (Red) Rolf, Lawrence Rolf, and Laverne Rolf. His sister: Mildred (Midge) Rolf, sister in laws: Belva Stevicks Kahler, Ann Karel Kahler and Gloria (Frasch) Rolf.

Funeral services for Kenny Kahler, age 89, of Burke, SD, will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD. Burial will be in the Herrick Cemetery, Herrick.  Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.