Edwin A. Kaler

Edwin A. Kaler

March 10, 1940 — May 4, 2024

Edwin Arnold Kaler, 84 of Cottontown, TN, passed away on Saturday May 4 due to long term complications with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Born on March 10,1940 in Detroit, Michigan, Ed was the beloved son of Edwin “Dink” and Emilie Kaler. After high school, Ed was a reservist in the US Marine Corp. 

On August 29, 1959, Ed married Sally in Detroit. They enjoyed over 64 years of marriage with highlights of season tickets to see the Nashville Predators, enjoying time with friends, and serving their church, community and those around them. Ed was versed in many topics and enjoyed conversations with others. 

Ed loved the Lord and in his last days would tell people the only thing that matters is Jesus. He lived out his faith through various methods. Within the church, this included serving as a member of Truth Lutheran in Detroit and later at St. Timothy’s Lutheran in Hendersonville, joining the choir, volunteer work in the kitchen, and the Welcoming Committee.

In his work career, Ed worked at Ford Motor Company for 10 years, he quit that job to become a police officer. Ed served 25 years as an officer of the Detroit police department. After retiring from Detroit, he worked another 20 plus years at Vanderbilt Medical in various capacities for the Vice Chancellors office. Ed enjoyed bringing smiles to the many people he interacted with in his roles.

Ed loved cooking on a barbeque grill, was a competitive cribbage and card game player, avid sports watching fan of golf, football, and hockey. 

Ed was preceded in death by his wife Sally, his parents, sister Margaret Ozga, and great-grandchild Maximilamo Escobar.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Julie) Kaler, Cheryl Escobar-Kaler, and Tania (Tim) LeBel; his grandchildren, Lindsay Kaler, Matthew (fiancé Grace Piche) Kaler, Michael J. Kaler, Gabriel (Adriana) Escobar, Sebastian Escobar, Amanda LeBel, Brian LeBel, and Peter LeBel; great grandchild Valentina Escobar. As well as his brother-in-law, Don (Eileen) Johnson, brother-in-law Larry Ozga, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service for Ed and Sally Kaler will be held at St. Timothy Lutheran Church of Hendersonville, TN, on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11:00 am.

Officer Edwin Kaler, badge #3074 of the Detroit police is out of service. End of watch, May 4, 2024. You have made your family and the people you have served very proud. May you rest in peace. We have the watch from here.