Jean Ann Kahler

Jean Ann Kahler, born August 31, 1940, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her son Gary, her parents Clarence and Mildred Jonen, her sister Margaret Stevenson, and her brother James Jonen. She is survived by her children Randal Kahler and special friend Kenda Nemeth, Ellen Kahler, Anthony and Angela Kahler, and Russell and Susan Kahler; her siblings Donna Jonen Landers, Gerald and Diana Jonen, and Patricia Jonen; her grandchildren Nicole Kahler and Zaland Wardak, Evan Kahler and special friend Emma Sauer, Brandon Kahler, Steffanie and David Schmidt, Andrea Koerner and special friend Brandon Campbell, Daniel and Rhianon McAllister, Michael Rank and special friend April Fowles, Andrew Kahler and fiancée Jessica Diez, Michael and Shannon Kahler, and William Kahler; and her great-grandchildren Ahmeen and Jibreel Wardak, Blake Bergquist, Mya Schmidt, Skye and Aspen McAllister, Logan Rank, and Graham Kahler. 

As the oldest of six children, Jean worked tirelessly to help her parents and guide her siblings on a 100-acre dairy farm near Hollandtown, Wisconsin. As a young woman, she enjoyed competing with her sister Peg for 4H ribbons at the Seymour County Fair. When she graduated from 8th grade, she pursued a vocation as a nun; however, life on the farm called her home. As a teen, Jean loved horseback riding. She was the “Galloping Ghost” during Friday night football games and treasured the quiet rides home afterwards. During high school, Jean met Don, the love of her life, and they married in 1959. When Don entered the Air Force and was stationed in Texas for basic training, Jean wrote to him frequently. Don saved the letters which Jean cherished all her days.

 The young couple moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, where Don worked as an Air Force electrician. They welcomed their first son Gary, who was called home to God soon after his birth. When Don left the Air Force, they moved back to Wisconsin to eventually settle on a beef cattle farm in the Town of Woodville. Soon Don and Jean had four more children, a herd of Black Angus, and 60 acres. 

Jean loved her one acre organic garden, providing beans, strawberries, potatoes, onions, and much more to her family. Each August, the family took a trip to Door County to pick dozens of pails of cherries. Her children fondly remember their cherry-stained fingers as Jean canned the fruit along with the plentiful garden vegetables. Jean was committed to filling the pantry and freezer to feed the family throughout the year. 

Jean pursued a degree in accounting from Fox Valley Technical School. She started her career in data entry and transitioned to nursing home care while tenderly caring for Don, who passed away from cancer in 1993. She eventually settled into St. Elizabeth Hospital’s radiology department where she worked until she retired in 2005. In her spare time, Jean continued gardening and lovingly attending to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to dedication to her faith, Jean loved cooking and sharing her recipes for beef stew, potato salad, and dinner rolls. 

In her later years, Jean enjoyed socializing with many friends at Zion Place Senior Apartments. She delighted in watching the Packer games, playing Sheepshead, and attending Bible study. Recently, she transitioned to Appleton Retirement Center where she received excellent care from the dedicated staff. 

Jean spent her last days surrounded by her children and extended family who shared stories of her commitment to family, faith, and friends. We would like to thank the compassionate and caring nurses and staff at Moments Hospice and Appleton Retirement Center. 

Jean’s memorial will be at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2330 E. Calumet St., Appleton, on Saturday, October 5. Visitation will start at 9:00 a.m., followed by the service at 10:00 a.m. and the burial immediately following at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, N9125 Military Road, Kaukauna. Family and friends are invited to gather for a luncheon at The Granary, N586 Military Rd., Sherwood, immediately following the burial. 

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, one of the following charities that were Jean's favorites or to your favorite charity in Jean’s name.

Some of the charities that Jean donated to:

Salvation Army: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/foxcities/ 

Wisconsin Public Radio: https://give.wpr.org/page/56522/donate/1