Monte R. Kahler

Dr. Monte R. Kahler 87, longtime physician and member of the Bolivar community, passed away on Monday, July 10th, 2023, at Springfield Rehabilitation and Care Center in Springfield, Missouri. Monte was born in Norfolk, Nebraska on July 13th, 1935, to Raymond and Alice Kahler. He graduated Chrisman High School in Independence Missouri in 1953. He completed his degree at Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg Missouri in 1958 and then went on to graduate medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1962. After an internship in Phoenix, Arizona, he returned to Bolivar, Missouri to begin his general practice. He dedicated 55 years of service in the Bolivar area and retired in 2017. He married Marketa L. Reagin on August 25th, 1957, and went on to share 66 years of marriage and to this union were three children, Kevin, Kerry, and Kris. When he wasn't tending to patients, he was most likely at one of his many secret honey holes on the lake always looking to catch “Mr. Big” or chasing pheasants in the switchgrass; almost always showing up his family and friends. Anyone who spent time with Monte will remember him saying, "It's a beautiful day in the Ozarks!" (Even if he was miles away from the Ozarks), an enthusiastic “What can I do for you?!”, a confident, “Rog O”, a hearty, "Howdy neighbor!", and a triumphant, "Fire in the hole!" (Usually prompted by the first, biggest, eventual most, and last fish). He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Alice Kahler, brothers, Gene and Edward Kahler, and daughter, Kerry Beth Williams. Monte is survived by his Wife Marketa Kahler of Bolivar, Missouri, son Kevin Kahler and wife Carol Kahler of Morrisville, Missouri, daughter Kris Kahler of Bolivar, Missouri, son in law Roy Williams of Bolivar, Missouri, granddaughter Alison Hahn and husband Jon Hahn of Mesa, Arizona, granddaughter Lindsay Gilden and husband Elijah Gilden of Morrisville, Missouri, grandson Stuart Kahler and wife Morgan Kahler of Ogden, Utah, granddaughter Courtney Smith and husband Anson Smith of Willard, Missouri, granddaughter Autumn Stafford and husband Tanner Stafford of Springfield, Missouri. Great-grandchildren Amelia and Olivia Hahn, Paisley and Everett Gilden, Cleo Kahler, and Alvi Smith arriving in August. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at The First Baptist Church in Bolivar, Missouri. Services are under the care and directions of Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Donations can be made to the First Baptist Church in Bolivar in lieu of flowers.

Monte R. Kahler

July 13, 1935 - July 10, 2023