Kenneth H Kahl, 85 of Ashland, formerly of Lexington passed away from this life early Thursday morning January 22, 2026 in his home with his family by his side.
He was born on October 2, 1940 in Mansfield, the son of the late Ralph and Nina (Banks) Kahl. Ken married the love of his life, the former Judith Ann Frederick on May 2, 1964.
Ken proudly served in the Ohio National Guard and after that found his love for electric, starting his first Company Kahl’s Electric Inc. He also founded other Companies throughout the years including Micro Controls, Fox Pools and Kahl’s Telecom. Kahl’s Electric as well as Kahl’s Telecom continue operations today entering there 56th year offering commercial electrical services along with Audio, video design/ Installation & Voice/Data.
Ken was a true entrepreneur and business owner in every sense of the word and loved helping and sharing his business knowledge with others. He loved working side by side with his son-in law Martin for over 40 years and grandchildren. Nick, (grandson) who has been with him for 18 years and Nate and Holly who have joined the team more recently. They along with so many other dedicated employees are keeping his legacy going. He passed his entrepreneur trait to his daughter Debbie, owner of Enjoy Floral and Gift. When she was in her 20s he thought she would make a wonderful florist and encouraged her to follow that path. Years later she found that to be her true passion.
Ken always remembered to give back to others as he was a devout sponsor for men’s fastpitch softball for countless years. He was a member of Berean Baptist Church in Mansfield, and traveled on many mission trips to Africa, Haiti, China, and India, where he would help with electrical projects for schools, churches, medical buildings etc.
Throughout his life he loved fishing. Lake Erie and Canada were his two favorite fishing spots he loved to share with family and friends. He also enjoyed racing enduro go karts with his son in law Martin at Mid Ohio Race track and other tracks around the state.
The last 2 years of his life were spent doing what became known as puzzle club with his daughter Heidi. They built over 60 3D Wooden puzzles over the course of time that were given to friends and family. He never quit wanting to learn something new or building something for someone in mind.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Judy Kahl of Ashland; two daughters, Deb (Martin)Brown of Ashland and Heidi (Chuck) Wyrick of Ashland, five grandchildren, Holly (Bryan) DeBolt of Mansfield, Molly (Dave) Darlak of Ashland, Chad (Kailie) Wyrick of Mansfield, Nathan Brown of Lexington, and Nick (Casey Watson) Brown of Ashland. Ten great-grandchildren, Madison, Parker, Maxx, Kayden, Izzy, Camden, Griff, Quinn, Jay, and Braydon; one sister, Mary Lou (Roger) Stude of Mansfield; and two brothers, Harold (Norma) Kahl of Columbus, and Harvey Kahl of Mansfield.
In addition to his parents, Ken is preceded in death by one sister Marjorie (Bob) Geary.
Family and friends may gather on Saturday, January 31st, 2026 from 2:00 to 5:00 to celebrate Ken’s Life in the Legacy Room of the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home, 313 Center Street Ashland, Ohio 44805
Memorial contributions may be made to the youth fishing programs at the Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League, 1930, County Road 1035, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory have been entrusted with the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com