Frederick Oscar Kahler, 89, of Gillespie, IL, died at Gillespie Health and Rehab Center, Gillespie, IL on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 5:40 pm.
Fred Oscar Kahler was born on November 6, 1935, the only child of Oscar and Victoria Kahler in Gillespie, IL. He attended the Maple Street School and graduated in May 1953 from Gillespie High School. He played varsity football as a line backer, and played the trombone in the high school band.
Following high school he worked in the mail room at the state house in Springfield. While in Springfield, he was also active in intramural sports, particularly basketball. Following his stint in Springfield, he enlisted in the Army for two years and was stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona.
After being discharged he returned to Springfield to work at Kyanize Paint Company for several years, always returning to his roots to care for his aging mother. After she passed away, Fred moved into her home in Gillespie and worked for Garella Pest Control for a number of years.
In later life he was a courier for the Carlinville National Bank. Fred lived a simple life tending his vegetable garden, watching his purple martin house, repairing items for his neighbors and friends, and enjoying history television shows and sporting events. But his main passion was model trains - he had a significant train collection of which he was very proud and enjoyed showing his trains to anyone who was interested. Fred was also a life long contributor and dedicated member of the Gillespie Methodist Church and often assisted with church projects and affairs.
Fred had no living relatives but his special friend over the years was Roberta Wenzel and her daughter, Attorney Nancy Ruyle of Carlinville with her family who spent many festive holidays with him over the years.
He was also a close friend of David and Sandy Bertetti of Andover, MA & GIllespie and Dr. Marc Booth of Chapel Hill, NC whom Fred mentored for many years. Fred had many friends in Gillespie especially the Thursday morning coffee group and particularly Linda Vidmar who helped him with everyday tasks in his later years.
Friends may call on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Gillespie Methodist Church from 5:30 pm until 6:30 pm with a memorial service to follow at the church at 6:30 pm. Memorials are suggested to Gillespie Methodist Church.
Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com.
Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
