Charles Frederick Kahlert

Charles Frederick Kahlert, 89, born on October 5, 1932, in CA, United States, passed away April 30, 2022. He resided in Mission Viejo, CA at the time of his passing. Charles Frederick Kahlert (Chuck) was born to the late Charles Gustav Kahlert and Holly Hamilton Kahlert, in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from Manual Arts High School in 1950, and the University of Southern California in 1957 where he earned both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Education. He was an elementary school teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, and an elementary school principal in Moreno Valley Unified School District. His career in education spanned over 30 years. As a Principal, students knew him for his expansive tie collection, his caring demeanor, and for remembering each of their names (even if they had never been in his office).

Chuck was blessed with a loving family. He met the love of his life, Ruth Ann Harrison while at USC, whom he married on October 20, 1955 in Raton, New Mexico. Days later he reported to the US Army at Fort Collins Colorado, and was assigned to active duty in Korea for two years. While in Korea, he wrote, almost daily to his wife, until honorably discharged in 1957. Charles and Ruth Ann raised two children and instilled in them their passion for education and travel. Long summer family trips included many visits to states across the USA, learning about national parks, historical events, and above all, fishing; Chuck's favorite pastime as a younger man. In his late 40's, he took up golf and became an avid devotee of the sport. He was fortunate to join a country club, score a hole in one, and enjoyed playing at many courses throughout the US and Europe. He proudly served as a Marshall for many years with the PGA tour event in Palm Springs. His passion for USC Football and associated apparel was legendary, and he enjoyed road trips to Notre Dame, Stanford, and UC Berkeley to watch his beloved Trojans. Charles and Ruth Ann's later travels included numerous cruises and adventures both home and abroad with their children and grandchildren.

Chuck was an educator at heart. He was curious, and always had time to answer a question, solve a problem, or offer advice. His passion for education translated to his two children and to his six grandchildren, all college graduates. His humor, wisdom, generosity and kindness will be dearly missed. Christmas will always be remembered with his favorite greeting "Mele Kalekemaka", a fond remembrance of his trips to Hawaii.

Charles is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann; his daughter Marianne Miller (David); his son William (Bill) Kahlert (Hedy); his grandchildren Christopher Miller (Alison), Michael Miller, Connor Miller, Haley Kahlert, Delaney Kahlert, and Abigail Kahlert.


Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.