Mons “David” Kaehler, 79, of Rochester passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his very loving family on Sunday, April 15, 2018.

David was born on Dec. 23, 1938, in Albert Lea to Glenn and Millie Kaehler. He attended Bricelyn Grade School and graduated from Bricelyn High School in 1957. David then attended Luther College and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, graduating with a Bachelor of Science, a master’s in education, and achieving a specialist’s degree in mathematics. He retired after over 35 years in math education in Rochester at Kellogg Middle School (ISD 535). On June 17, 1961, he married the love of his life, Janice Kay Fulfs, in Albert Lea. Together, they raised six children. David touched the lives of thousands of students over the years at Kellogg, along with many co-workers. He continued to meet regularly with his past colleagues from Kellogg for coffee for many years after retirement. Many remember Dave for his sense of humor and quick one-liners. He and his wife spent many years woodworking, traveling and spending quality time with his family. He was a gentle, kind-hearted soul with a strong faith in Christ, who will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Janice of Rochester; his children Kimberly (John) Schmidt of Rochester, Mark (Connie) Kaehler of Kasson, Kristen (Troy) Amdahl of Chandler, Arizona, Kathi Kaehler of Rochester and Matthew Kaehler (Nikole Leth) of Kasson; grandchildren Michael (Jessie) Schmidt, Derek Schmidt, Heather Kaehler, Jacob Kaehler (Sarah Gartner), Jordan (Kayla) Kaehler, Angela (Aurelio) Regino, Amy Jungbauer, Alicia (Justin) Zelinske, Maxwell (Anna) Amdahl, Joelle Amdahl, Bennett Amdahl, Alea Amdahl, Trystin Kaehler and Tad Kaehler; great-grandchildren Dillanjer Johnson, Michael Kaehler, Emery Schmidt, Madason, Arianna, Jackson, Paytin, Cruz, Hunter, Carter, Ava, Ayden, and Azlynn; his sister, Judy Mennsen, of Albert Lea; and his brother, Daniel Kaehler, of Fairmont.

He is preceded in death by his son, Michael; and his parents.

The memorial service for Dave will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester with the Rev. Norm Wahl officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, along with one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial of Dave’s ashes will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church of Rochester.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.