E. Gilbert Kahle

Gilbert Kahle, age 83, of Spring Lake Park, passed away peacefully due to complications of dementia on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 9:51 PM at Brightondale Memory Care in New Brighton, MN. Gilbert was born on February 13, 1942, in Dallas, TX. He was loved and admired for his service to his church and community and his journey through life touched the hearts of many as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1960, Gilbert pursued further education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Wheaton College in 1964. He began his professional career at the Minnesota Corrections Department as a probation officer in St. Paul, working with juveniles. He later transitioned to a caseworker role at Lino Lakes Penitentiary, continuing his important work with juvenile inmates until changes in the work environment prompted him to seek new paths.

After a memorable trip to Asia in 1973 to visit his mother, who was a missionary in Taiwan at the time, his career went through a few different phases. From 1975 to 1984, he drove delivery trucks for a friend. During this same period, he met his wife Sue at Park Ave Church, and they were married August 12, 1978, in Minneapolis, MN. After the birth of his kids, Matthew and Sarah, Gilbert was a stay-at-home dad during their elementary and junior high school years, which allowed him to invest in their lives and volunteer heavily at church, school, boy scouts, and in many other ways. Between 1995 and 2003, Gilbert served as a beloved school bus driver for Medicine Lake Lutheran Academy, a position that brought him immense joy and allowed him to contribute positively to the lives of many students. For many, Gilbert was not just a bus driver but also a friend who expertly guided them on numerous trips and outings with Park Avenue Church.

Gilbert loved to camp with his family. They created lasting memories through camping trips to Star Lake Wilderness Camp for Family Camp with Park Ave Church along with their close friends, the Shoberg's. The Kahle's also went on epic travels across the USA to visit Gilbert's sisters in Texas and Oregon/Washington, camping and visiting national parks along the way.

Gilbert, or Gil to most, Bert to some, was regarded with affection by all who knew him. He had a big heart for service, always eager to lend a helping hand, whether it was assisting neighbors with home or car repairs, teaching others how to drive a bus, or simply offering a warm smile and friendly conversation. Despite his outward generosity, Gilbert battled internal struggles, grappling with feelings of inadequacy, anger, feeling unloved, and the challenges that life presented.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Kahle; his sister, Beth Gallini; his brother-in-law, Don Wahlmeier; his brother-in-law, Paul Steinhilber and wife Anita; his son, Matthew Kahle, and wife Kelly; his daughter, Sarah MacCoy, and husband Luke; and his cherished grandchildren: Josiah, Joshua, Callie, and Samantha. Gilbert was predeceased by his father, Raymond F. Kahle; his mother, Mary Pearl (Kahle) Johnson; his stepfather, Folke Johnson; his sister, Sharon Wahlmeier; his brother-in-law, Chuck Gallini; and his parents-in-law, Bud and Millie Steinhilber.

Gilbert's life was one marked by love, service, and an unwavering commitment to those around him. He will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, his passion for community, and the profound impact he made in the lives of others. A visitation will be held on May 2, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Miller Funeral Home & Crematory in Fridley, MN, followed by a funeral service from 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM at the same location.

Gilbert is now at peace, knowing the surpassing, all-encompassing love of Jesus, which transcends all struggles and setbacks of this world. His legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Gilbert Kahle to Mustard Seed International.