Mary Kaehler, 73, St. Charles

Mary Kaehler, 73, of St. Charles, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022 at Season’s Hospice House in Rochester surrounded by family, ending her battle with cancer.

Mary was born June 16, 1949 in Blooming Prairie to Thomas and Mary (Renchin) Burke. She was raised on the Burke Blacktop Angus Farm and was involved with showing livestock. She dreamed of adventures beyond Blooming Prairie, so she completed nursing school at Mayo Clinic, then became an international airline stewardess.

Mary and Frank Kaehler were married Nov. 4, 1972. After marriage, Mary continued flying then decided to raise her family and support the operations at Homedale Farms. Later she worked for Herff Jones, and then at Mayo Clinic as a radiology tech.

Mary and Frank were married nearly 50 years and lived on their family farm, just northwest of St. Charles. Mary’s greatest accomplishment in life was raising their six children, but she loved her grandchildren even more. She also devoted time to managing the farm, keeping tabs on Frank, making her famous chocolate candy treats, baking, decorating cakes, canning, and gardening. She was a great cook and baker, serving many guests at their table filled with delicious meals and desserts. She welcomed everyone.

Survivors include her husband Frank, daughters, Nicole (Lowell) Jabs, Rachel Leaver, Leah (Andy) Mindemann, Angela (Kyle) Hotz, Lyndsie (Kyle) Balstad; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Lane, Samantha, Weston, Clara, Maggie, Gabe, Paige, Jason, Abby, Charlee, and Thomas; siblings, Thomas Burke and Patty Misgen.

Mary was preceded in death by a son, Scott Donald, her parents, and two brothers, Tony and Patrick.

A Funeral Mass for Mary was held Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles with the Rev. Tim Biren officiating.

Visitations were held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church on Monday, Oct. 10, and on Tuesday prior to the mass. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery. Mary's Funeral Mass is available to view via the church live stream at www.redeemersaints.org.

Hoff Funeral Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com. Memorials will be directed to the St. Charles High School Students in Need Fund.