Mr. Ralph E. Kahrs

Ralph Eugene Kahrs, 80, passed away in his home on Monday, September 23rd with family at his side. Ralph was born in Suttons Bay on December 27, 1932 to George and Gertrude (Olson) Kahrs. While living on the family farm in East Leland, he graduated from Leland High School in 1951. Ralph worked at Joe's garage in Leland until 1952 when he joined the Army, serving the country as a Sargent in the 853rd Communications Reconnaissance Detachment out of Heidelberg, Germany. Ralph returned to East Leland in 1955, where he met Shirley Kiessel, whom he married on July 3, 1958. He continued his education at Valparaiso Technical Institute in Indiana and worked for IBM in Chicago as a Customer Engineer for 12 years. He and Shirley had a desire to return to northern Michigan with their growing family. In 1967 they moved to Traverse City where Ralph was employed as a Computer Programmer by Belfour Stulen (later known as CAP). When the firm relocated to Chicago, Ralph elected to remain in Traverse City and worked for Cone Drive for several years before retiring in 1995.

Ralph enjoyed the outdoors and adventure. His hobbies included photography, skiing (he skied the Alps while in the service), golf, basketball and motorsports. Upon retirement, he enjoyed golfing more often and at the age of 65 he used his ice-skating skills and took up rollerblading.

He and Shirley enjoyed travelling on their motorcycle. They took many trips with their motorcycle partners Wayne and Monique Kahrs, touring most states east of the Mississippi. They also enjoyed many trips in their Mazda Miata and outings with the Tip O' the Mitt Miata club. Ralph and Shirley celebrated 55 years of marriage this summer.

Ralph is survived by his wife Shirley and his children Kathy (Randy) Frankfurth of Byron Center, Steve (Peggy) Kahrs of Canton, Paul (Kristin) Kahrs of Oakland Township, Dayna (Dave) VanderVeer of Jenison and Son-In-Law Kevin Heaney of South Lyon, grandchildren Nick (Rebecca) Frankfurth, Spencer Frankfurth, Cody and Lauren Kahrs, Karmen, Paul and Kevin Kahrs, Mallory and Lindsay Heaney and Katelynn and Andrew VanderVeer, great grandchildren Jayden and Avery Frankfurth, brother James Kahrs and sister Lenore Hagstrom. He was preceded in death by his daughter Susan, his parents George and Gertrude, his brother George and his in-laws Andy and Martha Kiessel.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Patrick Freidli, Dr. Kevin Clayton, the Heart Failure Clinic and Munson Home Care.

Visitation will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Interlochen from 5-8pm Friday September 27, 2013. A Memorial Service will be held at the church on Saturday September 28, at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to:
Redeemer Lutheran Church Debt Fund
U.S.31 at Rogers Road
Interlochen, MI 49643 and /or
Munson Hospice
1105 Sixth Street
P.O. Box 184
Traverse City, MI 49684