Russell Kahle

Russell Frederick Kahle, 41, peacefully passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at his home in McPherson, Kansas, surrounded by his loving family.

Russell was born on August 4, 1985, in San Diego, California, the son of Frederick Charles and ErLinda (Gullas) Kahle. He graduated from Wichita East High School in 2003. On August 6, 2005, he was sealed for time and all eternity in marriage to Angela Jeanette Starr in the St. Louis, Missouri Temple. Together, Russell and Angela built a beautiful life in McPherson, where they raised their family and shared a deep love of music, education, faith, and one another.

Music was an important part of Russell’s life from an early age. He began playing the upright bass in the fourth grade, discovering a passion that would remain with him throughout his life. He continued to develop his musical talents at Emporia State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2007. It was also at Emporia State that Russell met Angela, when they played together in the Chamber Orchestra. Their shared love of music became one of the many threads that connected their lives.

Following graduation, Russell and Angela moved to McPherson in 2008, where Russell began his career as an orchestra teacher with McPherson USD 418. He loved teaching and sharing his passion for music with his students. Russell later expanded his professional pursuits into the field of technology, earning a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Fort Hays State University in 2011. From 2016 to 2019, he served as Director of Education Technology and Information Systems for McPherson USD 418. He subsequently became Technology Alignment Manager for Reach Solutions, Inc., where he continued working with USD 418 as well as other school districts.

Although his professional path evolved, Russell never left music behind. He played with the Salina Symphony, taught private music lessons, and guest performed with several musical groups. He also helped direct productions at McPherson Community Theatre. More recently, Russell and Angela had the opportunity to work together in another special way, as Angela took over the Orchestra Director position with USD 418. They made a remarkable team, complementing one another’s strengths and supporting each other every step of the way. Where one fell short, the other was there to fill the gap.

Above all, Russell was a devoted husband and a wonderful father. His family was at the center of his world, and he took great pride in supporting each of them in whatever they pursued, whether music or any other interest. He cherished the time they spent together, especially family game nights and the simple moments that brought everyone together.

Russell had a natural ability to figure things out. Whether something needed to be repaired, built, or simply understood, he enjoyed the challenge of finding a solution. He was intelligent, capable, and willing to tackle nearly anything he set his mind to. He was also exceptionally service-minded and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. His kindness, congenial nature, and willingness to help others were qualities that endeared him to many.

Russell had several hobbies he enjoyed sharing with family and friends. He was a talented “pit master” who took great enjoyment in preparing meats on the smoker and sharing the results with those he loved. Russell felt joy in sharing his love of comics, such as those from the Marvel Universe with his loved ones. In so many ways, he demonstrated the best qualities of those same characters, and thus he will forever be his family’s favorite superhero.

As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints, Russell had a deep love and faith for the gospel. He was baptized into the church in 2004, and since then has served in many callings. His faith remained an important part of his life and the foundation of his family.

Russell will be remembered for his remarkable mind, his musical talent, his willingness to serve, and, most of all, his generous heart. He was a kind and genuine man who found great joy in his family and in bringing people together. His legacy will live on not only through the music he shared and the students he influenced, but also through the lives of his children, the love he gave his wife, and the countless people he helped along the way.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Angela; their children, Lillian, Samuel, Anna, Elizabeth, David, and Logan; his parents, Fred and ErLinda Kahle of Wichita, Kansas; siblings, Melody (Freddie) DeLeon of Wichita, Kansas, and Lucena (Troy) Clark of South Africa; parents-in-law, James and Bonnie Starr of Emporia, Kansas; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Adam (Chanda) Starr of Emporia, Kansas, Jacob (Tonya) Starr of Emporia, Kansas, Amman (Liz) Starr of Fort Collins, Colorado, Jeremy Starr of Sandy, Utah, Jonathan (Erica) Starr of South Jordan, Utah, Alena (Mike) Compton of Overland Park, Kansas, and Jared (Walter) Starr of Herriman, Utah; along with many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, friends, colleagues, students, and members of the communities he so willingly served.

Russell’s life was far too short, but it was filled with music, faith, service, laughter, and—most importantly—love. The greatest measure of his life can be found in the family he cherished and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the First Christian Church with Brother Adam Starr presiding. A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until service time on Saturday at the church. Burial will follow the service at McPherson Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to help with expenses and can be given through the Venmo link @RussKahle or checks payable to Angela Kahle in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.