Robert Kahler

WILMINGTON— Robert I. Kahler, 89, of the Wilmington area, passed away on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11, 2022 at Circle of Life Hospice, Bentonville, AR. Bob was born May 12, 1933 in Joliet, to Irving and Mabel Kahler. He was raised in the Wilmington area and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father and many friends. After graduating Wilmington High School, he enlisted and served his country in the U.S. Navy in the Korean War aboard the USS Henrico. When he returned to Wilmington after his service, he met the love of his life, Kathleen Nugent Kahler. They were married July 1957 at St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington and together they raised four daughters in the Custer Park and Neosho, MO area. In both areas Bob and his family raised rabbits, poultry and huge gardens. He was a very hard working man in the construction field and he was very proud of the many buildings he had supervised in the local area.
In later years Bob returned to the Wilmington area where he enjoyed many rides with his four daughters reliving his many childhood memories along Forked Creek, Kahler Road and the Kankakee River. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Wilmington where he made many friends and enjoyed his visiting time. Since May of 2020 he also worked together with his daughter to deliver Meals on Wheels in the Wilmington and Channahon area. This was a great source of pride to him. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren, great granchildren and great great grandchildren. Bob also had a very loyal companion, his ever faithful dog Lady.
Bob had a wonderful love of life and found fun and happiness in daily activities and loved his practical jokes. He will be greatly missed.
Bob is survived by his four daughters and their families: Kathy (Roy) Sabuco, of Minooka, Nanette (Bob) LaGrange, of Essex, Bobbi Kahler and her husband Rick Fowler of Bella Vista, AR, Suzette (Austin) Henderson, of Joplin, MO; Grandchildren: Nicki (John) Mackinson, of Towanda, IL, Robert (Tesha) LaGrange, of Essex, Josh (Jen) LaGrange, of Montgomery, IL, Rocco Sabuco, of Eagle, CO, Dylan (Cody) Sabuco, of Thornton, Co, Ashlyn Henderson and Logan Henderson, of Joplin, MO;  Eight great grandchildren and three great great grandchilden. Several nieces and nephews survive along with his faithful dog and companion Lady.
Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife Kathy, his parents and his sister Betty Bradshaw.
A celebration of life will be held in May on what would have been his 90th birthday in Wilmington, along his beloved Kankakee River.
Donations may be made to the Circle of Life Hospice, Bentonville, AR, or a hospice of your choice. They were true angels in our father's final hours and we are forever grateful.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com