Howard Lyle "Lefty" Kaler

Memorial services celebrating the life of Howard Lyle “Lefty” Kaler, 86, of St. Cloud will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at the Daniel Funeral Home Chapel in St. Cloud. Lefty passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud. Reverend John Gabrielson of Atonement Lutheran will officiate. Entombment will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
Lefty was born on January 8, 1931 in Staples, Minnesota to Howard and Tress (Wold) Kaler and graduated from Staples High School. He married Ina Mae Fiskum on December 27, 1952 in Wadena. Lefty served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955. He was stationed in Tucson, Arizona and Fairbanks, Alaska. He was employed by Burlington Northern Railroad as an engineer, retiring after 42 years. He was a member of Bluebird Recovery, NARVE, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers, and the Staples V.F.W.
Lefty enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, golfing, various sports and took up the hobby of building nesting boxes for bluebirds during retirement. He put many houses on golf courses, walking areas and around Whitney Center Park. He treasured spending time with his family, grandchildren, friends and relatives. Lefty also enjoyed spending time at their lake home and winters in Arizona. He was a fan of the “Old” Country Music.
He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 65 years, Ina; sons, Greg (Bev) of St. Cloud, Curt (Patti) of Lakeville; grandchildren, Josh, Amanda, Daniel and Krista; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jean (Doug) Stevenson and Pat (Phil) Weiland.
A Special Thank You to the Staff of the V.A. Health Care Hospice for the loving care and support given to Lefty during his stay.