MICHAEL E. KAHL

Michael Edward Kahl, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Mayo Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.
Michael was born on November 21, 1951, in Amery, the son of Bernard Kahl Sr. and Nellie (Olson) Kahl. He grew up in Prairie Farm, and graduated from Prairie Farm High School in 1969. Michael attended the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where he earned a teaching degree.
His professional life began in education, serving for a short time as a teacher with the Barron School District. However, when his father became ill, Michael returned home to Prairie Farm to run the family dairy farm. He lived on the home farm until recently. After his time farming, Michael worked at McMillan Electric Motor Company in Woodville and spent many years at Rice Lake Weighing, where he eventually retired.
Mike was a kind, pleasant, and hard-working man who truly loved the company of others. Some of his favorite times were Sundays on the farm when his siblings and their families would gather for dinner, and he absolutely loved the yearly family reunions. He took great joy in showing his young nieces and nephews the baby calves and the new litters of kittens, often enlisting their help to find the perfect names for all the animals. In his earlier years, Mike enjoyed playing league pool, and throughout his life, he looked forward to grabbing a beer and shooting a game with coworkers after a shift. He was also a steadfast fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers, known for keeping his cool and staying loyal to his teams no matter the score.
He is survived by his siblings: Barbara King, Linda Thuftin, Bernard Kahl, Jr. (Nancy), Debra Hemauer (Bradley) and Jeffrey Kahl (Joan); sister-in-law, Sandy Kahl, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bradley Kahl; and sister, Patricia Hancock; brothers-in-law, Donald Thuftin, Ronald King and Roger Hancock.
A funeral service for Michael will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at First Lutheran Church of Arland, with Pastor Tim Vettrus officiating. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will follow at Independent Cemetery next to the church.
Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron. Online condolences can be made at www.rauschandsteelfuneralhome.com.