Vernon Kahl

Inwood, IA: Vernon Kahl, 93, of Inwood, Iowa died Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Inwood with Rev. John Wolf officiating. Burial will follow at the Richland Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2013 at Porter Funeral Home in Inwood. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com or mailed to Don Kahl 1830 Birch Ave Inwood, Iowa 51240. The family requests that donations be directed towards the VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Vets, or ELCA Malaria Campaign.

Thrills of a lifetime began for Vernon M. Kahl when he was born on October 3, 1919 to Marcus and Elise Kahl at Rock Rapids, Iowa. The thrills continued with:
1.Surviving WWII as an Infantry Sgt. - including 219 consecutive days of combat on Luzon, The Philippines.
2.Being married to Agnes Kahl from December 1, 1946 - November 8, 2009.
3.Creating an interesting career in farming that included raising crops and animals, including an exploration into planting Jerusalem Artichokes and organic farming well ahead of his time.
4.Being named the first Farm Citizen of the year by the town of Inwood in 1968.
5.Developing the best tasting kettle corn ever and being the first to bring it to the Sioux Falls Region in 1997.
6.Publishing 'Becoming Sgt. Kahl: Lingering Memories of a WWII Infantryman - From Lyon County Iowa to the South Pacific Theater/U.S. Army 20th Infantry in 2002.'
7.Having grandson Aaron arrange for Vernon to be the Honored Veteran of the Game, June 26, 2012 for Vernon's favorite Minnesota Twins.
8.Going on an Honor Flight to Washington DC and spending the time there with granddaughter Noel as his escort in August, 2010.
9.Being best man for granddaughter Gretchen's wedding on his 91st Birthday, October 3, 2010.
10.Finding a caring home environment for the last year of his life - a place where laughter and fun, good food and exercise added length to his life.
11.Raising 5 children to be responsible members of their communities.
12.Enjoying each of 12 remarkably outstanding grandchildren.
13.Delighting in 10 of the cutest and beloved great-grandchildren.
14.Living a fulfilling life with a witty sense of humor and an optimistic attitude - that will be sorely missed by all who knew him for any length of time.

Vernon is survived by his 5 children, Karolyn (Harold) Anderson of Fairfield Bay, AR, David (Bonnie) Kahl of Sioux Falls, SD, Don (Lois) Kahl of Inwood, IA, Dr. Julie Kahl and husband Rev. Ed Anderson of Hayward, WI, and Kristi Kahl Edwards of Fairfield Bay, AR; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marvyl Kahl of Inwood, IA; and special friends, Elvira Johnson, Ruth Johnson, Doug Robinson and Reggie.

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes; and brothers, Norval Kahl and Harvey (Lorena) Kahl.