Tanner Lynn Kahler, 29

Tanner Lynn Kahler, 29, of Missoula, passed away due to a vehicle accident south of Lakeside on Monday, March 28, 2011.

Tanner was born March 10, 1982, in Missoula to Patta and Marvin Kahler. From the time of his birth, he was happy, strong and always on the go. He started walking at 8 months old and never looked back. Tanner attended Cold Springs Elementary, Meadow Hill Middle School and graduated from Loyola Sacred Heart High School.

Tanner’s athletic abilities were a gift from God that allowed him to excel at everything he did. Tanner received numerous All-State honors in football and basketball while at Loyola. He also played baseball, where he set numerous records for the Missoula Mavericks. Tanner was offered scholarships in all three sports and went on to play collegiate baseball at Washington State University and Scottsdale Community College.

Tanner was an avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast. He loved to hunt, fish and play golf.

On Jan. 6, 2007, Tanner and Cheyne Ursich were married in southern California. They were blessed with two beautiful boys, Kaeden, age 3, and Tate, age 1. Tanner was a wonderful father and enjoyed every minute spent with his boys. His legacy will live on through them.

Throughout his life Tanner made many close friends and each one of them held a special place in his heart and brought him much joy.

Tanner will be missed so very much each and every day by his mother, father, brother and two sons. The family was especially close and spent as much time as they could together enjoying life and all the blessings they were given. Their bond was exceptional.

Tanner lit up every room he walked into and had a positive effect on everyone around him.

Survivors include his two sons, Kaeden and Tate; his ex-wife Cheyne; his girlfriend, Michele; his brother, Taran; his parents, Patta and Marv; his grandmother, Freda; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at The Sister Rita Mudd Activity Center in Missoula. A reception will follow at St. Anthony’s Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be given to First Security Bank in Missoula where a fund has been set up for his sons, Kaeden and Tate.

Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home.