Harry E. Kahler
1918-2010

The memorial service for Harry E. Kahler, 91, of Lompoc will be held at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary on Wednesday, May 26th at 3 pm in Lompoc. The visitation will start at 2 pm.

Mr. Kahler passed away peacefully at home with family in attendance on Friday, May 21, 2010.

Harry was born May 25, 1918, in Grundy Center, Iowa. His family later moved to Waterloo, where he attended school and eventually enlisted in the United States Navy. He and his buddies received basic training at the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. He was on the USS Idaho when WWII broke out. After the war, he returned to the states, attending college and eventually enlisting in the Army, culminating in more than 20 years serving our country.

While in the Army, Harry was among an elite group of soldiers who were handpicked to serve in Taiwan's strategic satellite islands of Quemoy and Matsu in August 1958 to help in establishing protection for them. It was 40 years later, in 1998, when Harry and his buddies were officially recognized for "a job well done" in this "823 Campaign" (the numbers 8-2-3 referring to the date of August 23, 1958).

Harry worked as a Range Technical Services Contractor and Program Support Engineer for ITT/FEC in the Western Test Range Division at VAFB for over 20 years. He retired in 1984.

In later years, Harry and his wife Marie would travel all around the world: Egypt, England, Russia, China, South America (around the Horn), the Panama Canal and the St. George Islands. In addition, they often traveled across the country visiting relatives and friends on the way. Yellowstone, a favorite, was visited a total of 14 times.

In all, Harry had a wonderful and full life. The memories of friends and family will be cherished for the remainder of their own lives.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Bernard and Georgia Ann Kahler, his sister and brother-in-law, Grace and Vern Weiser, two nephews, his first wife Laney, their adopted son Joseph Danny Kahler, and stepson Kevin L. Walker.

Harry is survived by his wife of 24 years Marie J. (Filburn-Walker) Kahler, two stepsons Derek S. Walker and Callen E. Walker, a stepdaughter Lisa D. Walker, and a foster daughter Sharon Volz.

Cremation will be followed by private inurnment in the Fort Rosencrans National Cemetery in San Diego. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make a donation to your favorite charity in Harry's memory.