Clifton Ray Kahler

Clifton Ray Kahler was born in San Antonio, Texas on June 4th, 1956 (at the Brooke Army Medical Center). He passed suddenly and unexpectedly on July 26th 2016, in Leon, Iowa from a heart attack. He was doing one of the many things he loved – cycling in the annual bike ride across Iowa. He left us far too soon and will be forever remembered and greatly missed. Clifton and his three younger sisters grew up on the family farm near Goodrich, ND. He attended both the SDA Church School and the Goodrich Elementary School. He then attended high school at Sheyenne River Academy in Harvey, ND where he met his future wife, Vonnie. They graduated together in 1974. On August 21, 1977, Clifton married his high school sweetheart, Yvonne Flemmer, in the Lehr SDA Church. He received a degree in Business Administration from Union College in Lincoln, NE in 1978. He was very successful in every job he had, from working at the State Capital in Lincoln, NE as a state auditor, to teaching for 8 years at Hillcrest Elementary School in Jamestown, ND, to Business Manager at Dakota Adventist Academy in Bismarck, ND. Clifton had a passion for Adventist Education. He especially enjoyed his current role of Budget Coordinator at Polk County School Board in Bartow, FL, since 2000. Clifton was enthusiastic about many things. He was first and foremost the most passionate about his wife, the love of his life. They enjoyed being together, and were very proud of each of their children and their accomplishments. They were thrilled to be grandparents and he earned the title “Papa.” He enjoyed watching, and playing many sports. Every Sunday during football season, you could find him and Brad on the phone several times during each game. He enjoyed playing golf with Vanessa. They joined a league and played together weekly. He was an avid birder, and was always looking up through his binoculars to see what he could find in the trees. He especially enjoyed birding with Tyson, and they spoke often about which “lifers” they had seen. He loved photography and has many fabulous photos of his family and of nature, especially birds. If Clifton didn’t have a pair of binoculars around his neck, his camera was there, or both. He loved to go hiking, and never went out without his Tilley hat. Clifton was very active and he could fix anything; he always had many projects he was working on, usually to help someone else. He was such a calm and dependable man. Clifton loved the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins. He loved to watch hockey, especially with Vanessa. But Clifton didn’t just watch sports, he was very athletic himself. Softball was his sport of choice for many years; but he enjoyed skiing, playing racquetball, golfing, and of course, cycling. He was a history buff, which coupled with his enthusiasm for teaching. As a Pathfinder leader, he went to many Camporees. He never hesitated to crack a joke, and you could often see his little smirk switchover to a hearty laugh. Clifton enjoyed traveling, and made everywhere he went an adventure to explore. He especially enjoyed his Sabbath afternoon outings. He was a pilot and was always in high spirits when flying. He enjoyed spending time with his family so much. The most recent cherished memory was a Caribbean cruise with his wife, in celebration of both of their 60th birthdays. They loved to go camping, and every year enjoyed a weeklong camping trip during Thanksgiving. In the past couple of years, they discovered their love of kayaking. Clifton was the furthest thing from selfish – he shared his time, his money, his personal belongings, and his knowledge with those he was around. He was a very active member of the Seventh-day Adventist church in Avon Park, Florida where he enjoyed his responsibilities as elder, church treasurer, and running the sound system. The man we all knew showed us how to live. He walked the walk. He tenderly guided all around him with a sense of faith and duty. He poured out his heart through his faithful guidance and teaching of God’s love through action. Sleep now, be at peace. Soon Jesus will return and reunite us. He is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne and his three children – Brad Kahler, and his wife Susie, from Jamestown, ND; Vanessa Kahler from Avon Park, FL; Tyson Kahler, and his wife Marielle, from Berrien Springs, MI. He has four grandchildren: Leyton, Brannen, and Alea (Brad’s children) and Savannah (Vanessa’s daughter). He is also survived by his mother, Joyce Anderson Kahler, from Goodrich, ND, and his three sisters: Geraldine (Bob) Forbes from Lehr, ND; Gracie (Doug) Blair from Orlando, FL; Tammy (Lauris) Johnson from Kingsville, MO. Along with his father-in-law, Leo Flemmer, he is also survived by many aunts and uncles and numerous nieces and nephews. Clifton was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Kahler (2010), and his mother-in-law, Deloris Flemmer (1999). I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Clifton loved Christian Education. Memorial donations can be given to: • Hillcrest SDA School in Jamestown, ND • Walker Memorial Academy in Avon Park, FL Condolences can be sent to: Yvonne Kahler 495 East Circle Street Avon Park, FL 33825 Memorial Service: Jamestown SDA Church on Tuesday, August 2nd at 2pm 1201 4th St NE Jamestown, ND 58401 A Memorial Service will also be held at the Avon Park SDA Church. Date to be determined.