Frederick “Frosty” Kahla

Fred “Frosty” Kahla, 84, of Nederland, passed away early Sunday morning, May 5, 2019, to meet his bride of fifty-seven years, Patsy. He was born in Port Bolivar to Katie and Cornell Kahla on June 18, 1934.

Fred was a spirited boy who adored his father and loved helping on the farm. He would tell stories of waking early to make sure he could go with his dad for the day to work the animals. After losing his father at the age of ten, he held fast to his father’s way of life, the cowboy way. As a result, his love of the outdoors never diminished. He missed his Dad for the rest of his life and cherished his short time with him forever.

He was a quiet teen and his future bride labeled him a “bookworm,” but that wouldn’t keep them from developing a relationship that would later become the envy of everyone that met them. At the age of seventeen, he found the love of his life, Patsy Felkner. Her unconditional love was all he needed to give his in return. This was a love story – they adored each other for fifty-seven years and his continued on even after her passing.

They were married on October 14, 1951, in Waco. They had three children, Jack, Pattie, and Tonya and later would have seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He proudly wore the titles of Daddy, Honey, PapaKay, and PawPaw but maybe, most importantly “Baby”. He was a beautiful example of how to be a husband, father, grandfather and friend.

After getting married, Fred and Patsy moved to Port Arthur where he attended night school to receive his high school diploma and later take a position with Ford Motor Company. He worked in the parts department for fifty years and was genuinely loved by his coworkers and his employers. He was described as the “best employee that ever was or would ever be.” His reputation was built on integrity, strong work ethic, and mutual respect. His unique blend of humility, intelligence, and willingness to learn made him an easy person to respect and rely on.

Hard work for Frosty didn’t stop at employment, he also continued riding horses and driving cattle. He was never more comfortable than on a horse, it was as natural to him as breathing. He was a true cowboy and had the skills and determination to prove it. Being a cowboy was more to him than the clothes and standard fare, it was loyalty, honor, and the simplicity of living a wholesome life. This would translate over to every area of his life especially when Patsy needed him most.

When his sweet wife was diagnosed with cancer, he became her steady comforter and companion. He was unfailing in his care for her, day and night, he never wavered. He made sure she had everything she needed and demonstrated his love to her every day. At the passing of Patsy in 2009, Frosty was heartbroken but, would hold to her memory until the end. “Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” I Corinthians 13: 4-5, 7 (NLT). Yes, Frosty knew how to love his family and for this reason his love will endure.

Left to honor his memory are his sister, Bessie Gau; brother, Butch Kahla; son, Jack Kahla and wife, Shelia; daughters, Pattie Price and husband, Frank, and Tonya Caldwell and husband, Roger; grandchildren, Gerall Kahla and wife, Suzanne; Beau Kahla and wife, Courtney; Jody Hollier; Kahla Dupuis and husband, Jake; Kody Price and wife, Jada; Shaye Bertrand; and Mitchell Caldwell; great-grandchildren, Austin Kahla; JoLee Hollier; Camrynne Rebert; Joanna Price; Mia Dupuis; Jenna Price; Jackson Dupuis; and Klara Price.

Preceding Frederick in death were his parents; sisters, Theresa and Betty Strimple; brothers, Danny Kahla and CW Kahla; and his wife, Patsy Kahla.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Dowlen Oaks. The kindness, love, and respect for our daddy was exceptional. We are forever grateful for all of you. We would also like to thank the staff at Harbor Hospice. Your care and support helped our daddy and us through this difficult time.

A gathering of Mr. Kahla’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Frederick’s life honoring service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at Broussard’s, with Reverend Kody Price officiating. His interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10001; or to the Harbor Hospice Foundation, 1050 W. Western Avenue, Suite 400, Muskegon, Michigan 49441.