Vern Kahler

Vern “Bud” Robert Kahler, born February 4, 1928, peacefully passed into Heaven May 25, 2023 where he was welcomed by his Savior, Jesus Christ; his wife, Norma; and daughter, Pamela Rae; along with other beloved family members and friends.

Bud grew up in Grand Rapids and went to Creston High School, where he met a girl named Norma Baas. He had many fond memories of their time in school together and always knew he wanted to end up with a girl just like Norma. Little did he know at the time that he would be happily married to Norma for over 70 years.

Upon graduation from high school, he attended Michigan State University. When he arrived on campus he didn’t know what he wanted to major in, but was persuaded by an entrance counselor to try out chemistry. He went on to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, even though he did not really like the field itself. He was an AVID Spartans fan - never missing a basketball or football game.

He worked for over 30 years in the packaging industry in management at Packaging Corporation of America. He played a critical part of integrating UPC barcodes on packages in grocery stores.

Bud was active in his church and served as a deacon and elder. Bud and Norma traveled across the United States and to Europe. Summers as a family were spent at Big Star Lake and Hamlin Lake. In later years, Bud and Norma camped every summer in Ludington. Twenty winters were spent in Florida. Everywhere they traveled and vacationed they made friends and kept them throughout their lives.

Upon retirement, Bud kept busy delivering wood chips, driving for Red Cross, helping out at hospice, and serving at Forgotten Man Mission.

The last years of his life were spent with Norma at Sunset Manor in Jenison. He enjoyed the

other residents and loved all his caretakers. They treated him like family, and he took an interest in their lives.

Bud loved life but loved the Lord more and lived his life in service to Him and others.

He will be greatly missed by his children Boyd (Susan) Kahler of Kent City, Terri (Lary) Shoemaker of Holland, and David (Janet) Kahler of Coldwater. He was his grandchildren's greatest cheerleader at their events. He will be missed by Kelly (Brent) Houtman, Stacy (Brad) Lacy, Kyle (Cassie) Shoemaker, Jesse (Cindy) Kahler, Janessa (Kenny) Hemker, Darby (Steven) Kipp, and Shelby (Marcus) Kalcevic; along with 16 of the GREATEST grandchildren. He will also be remembered by his sister, Margie Allen.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation from 10:30-11 a.m. prior to service. In honor of Bud, and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to H.U.G.S. Ranch (https://hugsranch.kindful.com/). The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.