Lynn D Kalahar

Lynn Darryl Kalahar died peacefully October 6, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Brainerd with his wife by his side.  He was born May 29, 1943, in Little Falls, MN, the oldest of six children. He grew up in Little Falls where he attended school, graduating with the class of 1961 and continued his education at St. Cloud Vocational Technical College. 

He married his high school sweetheart Yvonne Pantzke at First Lutheran Church in Little Falls on July 3, 1965.  They shared lifelong love, enjoying traveling abroad and throughout the United States.

Following college graduation, he joined the Minnesota Army National Guard where he served for twenty plus years, retiring in 1993 as a Master Sargent. In 1987, he served as First Sargent with the Minnesota Army National Guard in Norway.  Having a son and three grandsons serve their country made him very proud.

In 1966, he began his career with “Ma Bell” working as a lineman and cable technician.  His work took him to many parts of the United States. He was a CWA Union Steward.

Fifty plus years spending time with family and friends at the “hunting shack” was fun for everyone who came. Lynn was most proud of his hardworking children and grandchildren. They brought him much joy, laughter and happiness.

Lynn’s interests varied … fishing, hunting, gardening, watching Jeopardy, and reading (history & Civil War).  Travels took him to many Civil War battle Fields, cemeteries and museums. Volunteering as an ESL Tutor brought him much satisfaction helping others learn the English language.

He was a man of great faith and an active member in the churches he was a member. 

His favorites were “anything lemon or chocolate”, gladiolas and pansies.

He is survived by wife Yvonne (58 years); son Blaine (Nancy Carlson) Kalahar, daughter Shawn (Dave) Andress; grandchildren: Adam, Caleb, Liam, Dawson, Connor and Kiera; sister Kathy, brothers Doug, Craig (Cindy) and Mark (Glenna), sister-in law Deb; aunts, uncle, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. He will be remembered as a kind man who loved his family and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lorraine and Marlin Kalahar, brother Randy Kalahar, grandparents Carl and Selma (Johnson) Frisk, Tom and Gertrude Kalahar and in laws Edwin & Alice (Johnson) Pantzke.

Services will be Friday, October 20, 2023, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 418 8th Ave NE, Brainerd, MN. Visitation 9:30 up to service at 11:00.  Burial will be at MN State Veterans Cemetery, North of Little Falls, MN.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to, your local library in honor of a man who loved to read, or MN Military Museum, 15000 Hwy 115, Little Falls MN  56345 (https://www.mnmilitary museum.org/support-us/contribute-financially/online-donation/)

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