John R. Kahlich, 86, peacefully passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2010 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born November 1, 1923 in Cuero to the late Anton R. and Stephanie A. (Till) Kahlich. John served in the United States Navy during World War II. He married Nelda Ruth Wagner on August 17, 1947 at St. John Lutheran Church in Westhoff. John was an avid rancher and a car salesman for Newton Smith, C.L. Duckett & Bob Farris Chevrolet. He was also a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Westhoff and served as president for many years. John was a member of the International Registered Brangus Association, member of Sons of Hermann, a Farm Bureau member, and an attendee of the Morning Coffee Group at Dairy Queen in Cuero. John was passionate about his life, family, and friends and loved celebrations with his family. His sense of humor attracted others to him.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years; his daughter, Kathy Frels and husband, Dr. John, of Yorktown; sons, Dr. Kerwin Kahlich and wife, Carolyn, of Cuero and Ken Dale Kahlich and wife, Christie, of Fair Oaks Ranch; granddaughters, Leslie Katherine Frels of Houston and Loren Nicole Granstaff and husband, Hunter, of San Antonio; brother, Norman Kahlich and wife, Joyce, of Cuero; and sister, Juanita Peters of Cuero.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Irene Dreier and Dorothy Pakebusch.

Visitation will be Friday, May 7, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Freund Funeral Home. Services will be held Saturday, May 8, 2010, 10 a.m., at St. John Lutheran Church, Westhoff with Pastor William Hill officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Westhoff Cemetery. The family requests your presence for a time of fellowship at the American Legion Hall immediately following the interment.

Pallbearers will be Kerry Kahlich, Ronnie Farris, Garland Pakebusch, Bobby Pakebusch, Denis Mueller, Wendel Bettis, Hunter Granstaff, and David Peters. Honorary Pallbearers will be his beloved grandaughters Leslie and Loren, Ted Avens,Leo Semper, Rick Scherlen, and Lloyd Schuenemann.

The family wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to the professional services of Drs. John Soule, Tywaun Tillman, John White, Matthew Janzow, Jennifer Gonzales, Daniel Dugi, Raymond Reese, Citizens Medical Center, Cuero Hospital,Texas Cancer Clinic, and Cuero Nursing Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to the music-organ fund at St. John Lutheran Church, Westhoff Cemetery Association, or Donor's Choice.

Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343.