Willis Kahl

Willis Charles Kahl , 87 of Red Wing died on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at his home in Red Wing. He was born on May 7, 1923 in Bellechester, Minnesota the son of Fred and Sophie (Siebe) Kahl. He attended schools in Bellechester, and was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Red Wing. He was in the US Army during World War II serving in the South Pacific. On May 29, 1945 Willis was united in marriage to Louise Roper at St. John's Lutheran Church in Red Wing. After his discharge he returned to the Bellechester area where he was employed at Mann Construction for 4 years, was Manager and Buttermaker of the Bellechester Creamery for 15 years, and was Foreman and Plant Superintendent at Land O' Lakes at Oak Center for 18 years. Willis was an active member of the community serving as treasurer and councilman for Bellechester since they incorporated in 1956, member of 60 years and past Commander of the Bellechester American Legion Post 598, and he was a member and past Secretary of the Goodhue Lions Club. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, baseball, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren. A recent highlight in his travels was in May of 2009 when he was part of the Honor Flight with fellow veterans visiting Washington D.C.

Survivors include his wife Louise of Red Wing; sons, David (Marlys) Kahl of New York Mills, Randy (Marcia) Kahl of Rochester, Daniel (Starr) Kahl of Farmington, and Kevin (Cindy) Kahl of Lake City; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters Marjorie Zemke of Red Wing and Marion Lemmerman of Lake City and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Elward, sister Verena Wieck, and triplet great-grandchildren, Parker Scott, Grace Katherine, and James David.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Goodhue with Reverend Randall Kuznicki officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Bellechester American Legion Post #598. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Monday May 31, 2010 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and also one hour prior to the service at church. Casketbearers will be Gary Wieck, Tom Lemmerman, Ronald Kahl, Scott Kahl, Kyle Kahl, and Jeremy Kahl. Honorary Casketbearers will be Art Reese, Frank Raasch, Gerald and Mary Lou Tomfohrde. Memorials are preferred to the Bellechester American Legion Post 598, Goodhue Lions Club, Fairview Red Wing Hospice, or St. Peter's Lutheran Church.