"Dear Kerry and family, Our deepest sympathies in the passing of your mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness. May the Lord comfort you all in the days ahead. Sincerely, Steve and Linda Scott"
In loving memory of
Lael E. Kahler
December 18, 1937 - February 23, 2022
A funeral Mass for Lael Kahler will be held Tuesday, March 1st, at 10:30 AM at Divine Mercy Parish ~ St.John's Catholic Church in Bancroft. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM Monday at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft.
Lael Emilie Kahler was born December 18, 1937, in Whittemore, daughter of Hildreth R. "Hitchy" and Elvira (Wehrspann) Pettit. Lael was the valedictorian of her senior class graduating in 1955 from Whittemore Public School. She went on to further her education at La James Beauty School in Mason City graduating in 1956 and operating her own beauty salon in Fenton until 1979. Lael also spent many hours in her younger years working at the Plantation Ballroom near Whittemore.
In 1962, she met her husband, Tony Kahler of Bancroft at a dance at Interlaken in Fairmont, MN. She and Tony were married on November 30, 1963, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bancroft. They made their home in Fenton from 1963 until March of 1979, when they moved to their farm east of Bancroft.
Lael had a special love of music and she started playing the organ at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Fairville then at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore until they moved to Bancroft. She continued playing at St. John's Catholic Church until 2020 playing for countless Masses, weddings, and funerals. Lael was also active in St. John's Altar Society for many years. Lael enjoyed quilt work and was an excellent rug maker, making over 3000 rugs throughout the years. She enjoyed gardening, planting flowers, mowing, playing cards, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Lael E. Kahler died Wednesday, February 23, 2022, under the care of Hospice of the Heartland. She was 84.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Tony Kahler of Bancroft; two daughters, Kerry Kahler and Heather Vaske and her husband Chris of Bancroft; two grandchildren, Jordan Vaske and Corey Vaske of Bancroft; one brother, Dr. William Pettit and his wife Marlene of Monkey Island, OK; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Pettit of Decorah; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Dana (Ernie) Frieden; and two brothers, Ronnie (Julie) Pettit and Joe Pettit.
Tributes
"our deepest Sympathy Lael was a very special lady hugs to the family"
"Our heartfelt sympathy to Tony, Kerry, Heather & families. Being out of town we were saddened to read of Lael\'s passing. She was such a giving & beautiful person - inside & out. Her many talents & years of dedicated service to the St. John parish have been appreciated by us all. She will be greatly missed. God bless you all as you celebrate her life well lived. ~Larry & Cindy"
"So sorry to hear of your.loss.. Sending thoughts and prayers to all. I sure will miss seeing her coming to the North Star. Hugs to you all."
"Sending thoughts and prayers ?? from Kenny and Mary Ann studer"
"My sympathy to you and your family Heather. I have many fond memories of your Mom."
"So sorry for your great loss. My two favorite memories are when Tony and Lael would come in to eat at the Red Barn and when I sat with my mom and granddaughters towards the front for mass and watch Lael play the organ so beautifully with no shoes on. The girls thought that was so remarkable. You are all in my prayers. Elaine Davis"
"So very sorry to hear of your mom\'s death Kerry, may you know that you and your family will be in my prayers. My warmest regards and hugs! "
"Love her with all my heart and will miss her dearly!! "
"Lael leaves a void no one can fill, but the memories are sweet. She\'s earned her place in heaven!"
"My Deepest Sympathy, Tony, kari and Rest of the Family. Will be with you in my Prayers, as I can\'t be with you at this time.Eternal Rest Grant Unto Her."
"Such a kind and talented person. Our sympathy "
"Oh, what a shock to see that my friend and bridesmaid has gone to play for the angels in heaven. We shared so many good times when we were at the Plantation. Rest in peace, dear Lael."
"My deepest sympathies to Lael\'s family. The reunion at Heaven\'s Gate had to be THE BEST!! "
"What a wonderful addition to the choir in Heaven! There was nothing better than holidays with Lael on the organ and Jane leading the music"