Jon Brandon Kahl

Jon Brandon Kahl passed away August 16, 2026 at the age of 78. Jon was born in Merced, California on March 23, 1948 to parents Marvin and Murial Kahl. His youth was spent on a farm, where his Father and Grandfather Leslie Kahl and Uncles, George Miller and Roger Kahl farmed various crops and had a herd of dairy cattle. As Jon grew older, he learned to help around the farm. And along with sister Sue and brothers Kitt and Kim had daily chores feeding and caring for baby calves and feeding alfalfa hay off a trailer pulled by a tractor. Since they were little, Jon and Kim were both driving the hay wagon by the time they were five to seven years old.

Since horses are needed to herd cattle, Jon was taught at an early age to ride and care for them. Along with his brother, Kitt, they would jump on the horses bareback and ride all around the farm and any dirt road in the neighborhood. The rule was, you galloped away from home and walked the horses back. Jon was a gifted young boy. The principal at Plainsburg Elementary asked if Marvin and Min wanted to send him to special school, but due to time and travel restraints, they kept him at Plainsburg Elementary. He grew up singing folk songs with brother Kitt playing the piano and later used his great memory to learn countless country songs, including some of his favorites, “Prop me up Beside the Jukebox When I Die” "You Never Even Call Me By My Name." He loved “Friends in Low Places” and sang it any time he could at karaoke bars and events.

Jon was an outstanding athlete at Le Grand High School, playing football, basketball and baseball. At school he met Karen Tesone, who would later become his wife. After going from Merced College to Cal Poly, Jon and Karen were married at the Presbyterian Church in Merced in 1969. They had a daughter, Kristine, born July 4, 1971.

Jon had enduring love for cattle and horses. He spent many years riding, roping and branding cattle. The gathering and working of cattle are a team effort where several different owners help you and you help them. Jon made friends with many other cattlemen, including Brother-in-Law, Hank Kelsey. Many of his friends included Rick Fasone, Sonny Palmer, Ronnie Richards, Jim Johnson, Mike Preston, Sonny Cowden, Eddie Waterman and many others.

He had partnerships with some, lease deals with some, and years of good times eating and drinking and shooting the bull at gatherings and brandings. Somewhere along the line, Jon or someone else gave him the nickname “Beer Can.” So, if you’re in Merced or Mariposa County and you happen upon a cowboy looking guy, ask them if they know “Beer Can.” Their eyes will light up and they will say, “Oh hell yea!”

The family has always been close and over the years enjoyed countless holidays, Spring picnics, ski trips, concerts and other outings together. Jon helped organize along with Sister, Sue and her Husband, Hank Kelsey take as many family members who wanted to go on High Sierra pack trips. Marvin always went along and remained the foundation of the family until his death in 2013.

Jon has two Daughters, Jaymie and Nelly with his second Wife, Jeanne. Jaymie has two Sons, Colt and Lane. Lane is a video game programmer, and Colt is a very talented team roper. Colt and Megan gave John his first and only Great Grandchild, Ketch. Nelly has two Sons, Haven and 7-year-old Gavin. Kristine and Husband Mark together have two children, Son, Sebastian and Daughter, Treena. Sebastian spent years racing motorcycles with great success, and Treena is a very skilled barrel racer. Jon was of course, very proud of his Grandchildren.

There will be a family burial at Plainsburg Cemetery on September 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. and all are welcome. It will be followed by a Celebration of Life at Brights Barn on Buchanan Road at 4:00 p.m.