Veryl E. Kalahar

Veryl E. Kalahar was born June 2, 1929 in Huron, SD to the late Thomas & Gertrude (Vetterman) Kalahar. He entered the U.S. Army in February of 1951 and served until his honorable discharge in February of 1953. Veryl was united in marriage to Mary L. Thelander on October 6, 1950 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Little Falls, Minnesota. He was employed by the State of Minnesota at Camp Ripley from March 22, 1953 until retiring on June 29, 1990. During his 37 years at Camp Ripley, Veryl was involved in every major construction project. Some of those projects included: improvement of the cantonment area from tents to concrete block buildings; major improvements of the Camp Ripley airfield to increase access for a modern military; closing the Camp Ripley dumpsite; supervising the layout, development and construction of what was to become “state of the art” firing ranges for small arms, mortar, tank and artillery practice. His only rank was CIC (Civilian In Charge) on the front of his baseball cap. His leadership and knowledge of technical requirements resulted in most of his projects completed on time and under budget. When the veterans had a vision for a Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley, they turned to Veryl to do the layout, surveying and supervising the earth moving. The beautiful Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery that is there today is a tribute to Veryl. Following his retirement, Veryl enjoyed working in his shop, taking care of their home and most of all, spending time with his family. He also helped coordinate the Lindbergh Days Parade for many years. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Little Falls. Veryl was also a member of Little Falls American Legion Post #46 where he served a term as Post Commander and coordinated Post #46 military funeral rites for years. Veryl E. Kalahar is survived by his loving wife, Mary; son, Brian (Candy) Kalahar of St. Joseph, MN; daughters, Leanne ‘Lani” (Ron) Larson of St. Francis, MN and Sharon (John) Strack of Sauk Rapids, MN; brothers, Keeven (Alyce) Kalahar of Little Falls, MN and Pat Kalahar of Little Falls, MN; sisters, Norma Molde of Albuquerque, NM and Joyce (Bud) Chambers of South bend, IN; grandchildren, Brady, Jay and Rory (Ericka) Larson, Kristin and Tiffany Kalahar, Brandon and Karlee Strack and David (Michelle)Vukelich; great grandchildren, Drew Larson, Sam, Peja and Will Vukelich. Veryl was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, infant Oakley Kalahar, Marlin and Thomas Kalahar; a sister, Shirley Perrin.

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Veryl E. Kalahar

June 2, 1929 - September 6, 2011