With grateful hearts we remember the life of Bob Kahl, who was called home to be with the Lord on All Saint’s Day, November 1st, 2025. Bob’s life was defined by service to others. Whether it was an injured bird, a friend’s car that wouldn’t run, a neighbor in need of assistance, or a community position that needed to be filled – Bob didn’t hesitate to answer the call.

He was born to Karl and Marion Kahl, and grew up on the family farm in Oregon City. The  farm instilled in Bob a lifelong interest in agriculture, nature, trees and animals. Stories told by his parents and siblings talk of small creatures in his care–a baby lamb born too soon, an injured bird, or a litter of puppies. His kind heart translated into action at an early age when it came to caring for others in need. 

Bob was exceptionally bright and had an aptitude for any number of career pursuits, but his love of engineering, and simply fixing things, had him working in a garage with his Uncle John during his teen years. He attended and graduated from Canby Union High School in 1962, and knowing that he would be drafted into service soon, Bob decided to enlist. He began his military service in September of 1962. Bob was stationed in Germany where he worked in military intelligence. His active duty came to an end in 1965, but he continued on with the reserves until 1968. Later, Bob would work in the insurance industry, and for many years he owned and operated an insurance agency in Heppner, Oregon. He retired from City/County Insurance Services in 2009.

Bob’s professional life was always in balance with volunteerism. He held numerous positions in Heppner, was a member of the Lions Club, served as Chamber President, and in 2000 Bob was honored as Heppner’s Man of the Year for his years of service to the community; an honor he deeply cherished. In Oregon City, Bob was a Hopkins Demonstration Forest Volunteer and Board Member. He was active in the Oregon City Presbyterian Church, and in 2013, he was the Tree Farmer of the Year for Clackamas County. His farm roots never left him!

Bob’s greatest pride was undoubtedly his family. Marianne, his wife of 48 years, was the love of his life. Bob’s children – his son Peter (wife Theresa), and his daughters, Megan (husband Brian) and Abby, were his favorite topic of conversation. He was proud of his 4 grandchildren (Emily, Suzanne, Sophie, Grace), and was blessed with 3 great-grandchildren (Cooper, Bryn and Ella) before his passing. Family, friends and service were at the center of Bob’s life. He loved camping (always with Marianne), cars, planes and a good beer tasting! Bob Kahl is survived by his wife Marianne, his 3 children, 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and a sister (MaryAnn and Ed McCann) and brother (Roy and Linda Kahl).

A celebration of life was held on Friday, December 5th, at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Oregon City.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s memory to two organizations near to his heart; Forest Forever, Inc. (www.demonstrationforest.org) or Global Eyeglass Ministry PDX (www.GEMPDX.com).