Steven 'Steve' R. Kahler

Steven ‘Steve’ R. Kahler born in Hutchinson on 8/23/1953 and left us peacefully on 6/30/2023 after a courageous three year battle with cancer. Preceded in death by mother, Lorene, brother, Roger, and son, Justin. He leaves behind wife, Charisse, father, Otto, sons, Jared and Ryan, brothers, Jeff (Lori), Paul (Diane), step-sister, Sharree Selichnow (Doug), nieces, HelenRose and Kaitlin, nephews, Tyler, Josh, and Zak, grandchildren, Tristan Kahler and Seth Rylant. Steve was a WSU graduate with a BA in Liberal Arts, an MBA, and a Masters in Science Engineering Management. He held numerous management positions in aerospace with Boeing, Learjet, JC Air, and Aeroflex, retiring in 2019. He enjoyed challenging programs and meeting difficult deadlines. He was a first-chair trumpet in high school, and played with the Hutchinson Sky Ryders, a nationally respected drum and bugle corps. His great love was playing acoustic guitar and singing. His perfect pitch tenor made him a solo performer as well as a gifted member of duos and trios. His harmonies and song arrangements were genius. Steve’s retirement present was a sky blue 1977 Corvette. He loved that car, and along with it the South Winds Corvette Club. He made wonderful friends there. Club outings and meetings took his mind off the constant battle with cancer. There will be a Celebration of Life held Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 1pm at Downing and Lahey West Mortuary on Maple. Steve’s recorded music will be played along with a photo stream of his life. We encourage you to come and share your memories about your friend, relative, or music partner. He was the best.