Richard L. Kahlenbeck went to his heavenly home on Friday, July 15, 2016.
He was born on December 26, 1944 in Fort Wayne to Howard and Clara Kahlenbeck.
He worked for 37+ years at Navistar, in Fort Wayne, retiring in 2002.
He is survived by his wife Lydia, his son Mike (Angie), his daughter Sue Ann (Craig) Carter and five grandchildren: Annie Helfgott of New York, Emma Helfgott of New York, Katy Hudson of Huntington, Jim Carter of New York, Brian Carter of New York.
He is survived by his sister Wanda (Beall) Bowden of Fort Wayne and a brother Howard of Indianapolis.
He attended Murray Missionary Church for over 20 years. His greatest enjoyment was being outside and fixing things in the barn.
A service will be held for Richard at a later date. Memorials may be made to Family LifeCare in Berne or to the Murray Missionary Church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Online condolences can be sent to the family at
www.thomarich.com.
Virginia J. Olcsan (Hill)
Richard was a very nice classmate who was always very kind to me. A real gentleman. I am so sorry.
Marilyn J. Comer (Rafter)
Rick and I went to school together from kindergarten and were friends into high school. I lost track of him after high school, and was hoping to see him at the 50 year reunion but he was not there. He was always a great friend and always nice to everyone. I wish we'd had a chance to reconnect. Condolences to his family; I am so sure he will be missed always.
Rodger A. Macy
Rich and I were good friends from Little League through Scouts and Jr. High. He and I spent many days riding our bikes to Franke Park Lake to fish for catfish. He and his father helped me buy my first "junker car" and rehab and paint it in their home garage. We spent hours on that car and both of them were very helpful to a kid with no mechanical skills. As the song goes, "Those were the days my friend."
Rest in Peace Rich