George M. Kahler

George Martin Kahler – beloved husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend – went to be with Jesus Tuesday, February 10 at the age of 82. He passed away with his wife Annette by his side. George was born January 2, 1933 in Brunswick, Missouri - the oldest of nine kids. He remained close with his brothers and sisters all his life. He joined the Army in 1953, serving in Texas where he met Micky Kish (now deceased), whom he married in 1954. They settled in Mesa, Arizona, where they raised six children. George spent many years in Mesa working in heating and air conditioning. He enjoyed golfing, and was also a talented bowler, serving for many years on the Mesa Bowling Association Board of Directors and as Executive Vice President. After he lost his first wife, he married Annette Smith who shared his love of fishing, gardening and camping, as well as his deep and abiding faith. They wed on October 23, 1999 surrounded by their children and grandchildren. Upon retirement, George and Annette moved to Globe and spent a lot of time fishing, gardening, and working on craft projects together. He was an active and beloved member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church, singing in the choir and serving as Vice President of the church council. In 2011, George participated in the Lutheran Men’s Cursillo program, designed to help men of God identify their strengths and model their faith through action and friendship. He had always been a steadfast friend and generous with his time, talents and energy, but the Cursillo experience was a meaningful reminder that everything he did was in the service of God. George will be remembered for many things, including his beautiful tenor voice and love for singing, his willingness to lend a hand if something needed to be fixed, moved, installed or painted, and his love for a great story or a bad joke. George Kahler was preceded in death by his first wife Micky, his son George Martin, Jr. (Marty), step-daughter Linda Calhoun, brothers Glen and Danny, and brothers-in-law Hal Smith and Jack Hickerson. He leaves behind his wife and best friend Annette; sisters Eleanor Smith and Shirley Hickerson; brothers Jim (Ervina), David, Mike (Dawn) and Kenny (Shelly); sons Larry, Bobby and Mark; daughters Karen Zieder (Bruce) and Valerie (John Fleischer); daughter-in-law Ivy; stepsons Andrew Smith (Angie), Peter Smith, and Matthew Smith (Denise); step-daughter Terry Underwood (Neil); stepson-in-law Joe Calhoun; 18 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and too many friends to count. A memorial service and celebration of George’s life was held Monday, February 16 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Miami, AZ. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in George’s name.