Dave Kahler
Dave Kahler, 83, went to be with Jesus Christ, his Savior, on August 23, 2025, after a brief illness.
He was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on November 12, 1941, to Reuben and Marcilete Kahler. He attended elementary and high school in Sioux City, completing his high school education at Sunshine Bible Academy in Miller, South Dakota.
Dave graduated from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna, Minnesota, with a bachelor’s degree in Bible. He then attended Central Baptist Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and completed a Master of Divinity degree.
He served as youth pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Mankato, Minnesota, for 2 ½ years before moving to St. Peter, Minnesota, and becoming the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church. He served there for 10 years and then moved to Stephenson, Michigan, where he was the pastor of Central Baptist Church for nearly 9 years. In 1992, he became an assistant pastor at Beth Eden Baptist Church in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. One of his favorite responsibilities was planning trips and monthly activities for the church’s seniors. Dave also worked for several years at RLH Engineering. After he “retired,” he became visitation pastor at Beth Eden Baptist Church, a position he filled until his death.
In December 1964, Dave married Margaret Knutson in Granite Falls, Minnesota, and they enjoyed a close, loving relationship for over 60 years. They have four children: Susan (John) Hoijer, Stephen, Sarah (Byron) Ballantyne, and Scott (Stacey). They also have five grandchildren: Abbey, Sarah, and Jolyn Hoijer; and Elise and Ethan Ballantyne. He is also survived by his nephews, Jason (Shelli) Kahler and their children, Hunter and Dalton, and Tyson (Margaret Mary) and their children Matthew, Mary, and Ashley; and a sister-in-law, Muriel Andersen.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Orvin Kahler.
When Dave was 14, he attended a Youth for Christ meeting where he realized his need as a sinner and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. His life verse, Isaiah 38:17, describes the change that came about in his life: “Behold, for peace I had great bitterness, but Thou hast in love for my soul, delivered it from the pit of corruption for Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back.”
Serving his Savior and serving others was Dave’s mission, and he continued that even in his last days. He and Margaret enjoyed camping with a group of friends, attending their grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, and traveling to visit family and friends. Some of Dave’s favorite trips were mission trips to Scotland, Ecuador, India, and the Navajo Nation in Arizona.
Visitation will be on Friday, August 29, at 10 a.m. at Beth Eden Baptist Church in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. The service will be live-streamed through the church’s website for those unable to attend.