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Wesley Duane Kahl, a beloved member of the Carrington community and a lifelong pillar of service, passed away on January 1, 2025, at the age of 96, in Carrington, North Dakota. Born on November 8, 1928, in Cleveland, North Dakota, to Charles and Evelyn (Brown) Kahl, Wesley moved to Carrington in the summer of 1939, where he would spend the rest of his life.

After graduating from Carrington High School in 1946, Wesley married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Shock, on October 5, 1946. Together, they built a life founded on love, commitment, and community. Wesley’s professional career began in 1948 at Beck’s Fairway Store, but he soon found his true calling at the U.S. Postal Service. He served as a letter carrier before his service in the U.S. Army from December 1950 to May 1952, stationed in Alabama. Upon returning home, he resumed his work at the Post Office, becoming Assistant Postmaster in 1959 and later being appointed Postmaster by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. He served in this role with dedication until his retirement in 1986. Wesley continued his service to the community for another 20 years with the Cemetery Association.

Outside of work, Wesley was deeply involved in Carrington’s civic life. His leadership and commitment were evident in his many memberships, including the Honor Society, Boy Scouts, Red Cross, City Council, School Board, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, Parent-Teachers Association, Masons, and National Association of Postmasters. He gave of himself freely, working tirelessly to make Carrington a better place for all.

Wesley was predeceased by his first wife, Shirley, in June 2011, after nearly 65 years of marriage. He remarried in 2012 to June Jesse, who passed away in 2019. He later found companionship with Mabel Dockter, who passed away in 2022. Through all his relationships, Wesley was known for his kindness, his sense of humor, and his ability to bring people together.

He is survived by three children: Rhonda (Kahl) Burgard of Bismarck, ND; Evelyn Kahl of Portland, OR; and Jeffrey Kahl of Grafton, ND. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Aaron (Darcy) Burgard, John Burgard, Thomas Burgard, Lili Elsesser (Philip Minasian), and Aidan Elsesser, and three great-grandchildren, Landon Burgard, Alexandra Burgard, and Leon Wesley Minasian, whom he was blessed to meet. Wes was predeceased by his brothers, Chuck Kahl and Keith Kahl, but is survived by his siblings, Marla Reynolds (Jim), Doug Kahl (Louise), and Steven Kahl, as well as three stepchildren: Dick Jesse, Terry Jesse, and Betty Lund.

Wes will be remembered for his contributions to his family, his unwavering work ethic, and his constant dedication to the community he loved. May he rest in peace.

A Memorial Service will be held on May 30, 2025, at 1:00PM at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington, ND.