In Memory

John set sail  peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10:03 a.m., surrounded by family, at his side.

He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife, Caralyn; and by his children Joseph (Stephanie), Zackary (Alicia), Matthew (Brittany), and Amanda (Matt); and preceded in death by his first wife, Deanna (2005), and by his parents, John Kahler and Mary, whose example of devotion and community stewardship shaped the course of his life.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age five, John faced lifelong health challenges, including heart disease and vision impairment, yet he lived with unstoppable forward motion. He was known for immaculate self-care and an equally immaculate wardrobe; John took pride in always looking his best, whether headed to a board meeting or a sunrise walk on the beach. He loved morning walks, swimming laps, cycling, and never missed an opportunity for time on the water.

Like his father before him, John's heart was in hospitality. He was fiercely proud of his family's legacy at the Kahler Grand Hotel in Rochester, and he loved telling the story of how the Kahler name became part of Rochester's fabric. In later years, he helped usher in the modern era of the Kahler Hospitality Group alongside his son, that honored a century of service while looking to the future. He was honored with multiple awards for hospitality leadership and community service.

John wintered in Florida and traveled the world, ultimately visiting 125 countries, collecting friendships and boat stories everywhere he went. A lifelong boating enthusiast, he was active with America's Boating Club (Minnetonka Squadron) and a regular around Lake Minnetonka's classic boat community, where he loved talking hulls, varnish, and speaking history at events like the Real Runabouts Rendezvous.

He will be remembered for his grit, generosity, and unfailing courtesy, the man who learned everyone's name, who asked about your family and meant it, who dressed like every day mattered because to him it did.

A private celebration of John's life will be held at the Kahler Grand International Hotel.  

The Captain would approve: "dress sharp, share a story, and take care of one another. "