Thomas Kehler

Thomas “Turbo” Joseph Kehler

Oct. 8, 1971 - Dec. 13, 2018

CULBERTSON, Neb. — Thomas “Turbo” Joseph Kehler, age 47, of Culbertson, passed away Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb., following a hard fought battle with cancer.

Turbo was born Oct. 8, 1971, in McCook, Neb., to parents, William Robert and Marcella Ann (Palic) Kehler. He was one of eight siblings who grew up in Culbertson, graduating from Culbertson High School with the Class of 1989. Following high school, Turbo furthered his education at the Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, Kan., obtaining a certificate in automotive technology in 1990. He became a first responder in 2010 and soon after, he became an EMT for the Culbertson Rescue Squad. He loved being able to help those in need.

On June 16, 2003, Turbo married Elizabeth Jean (Coates) Kehler in Parks, Neb. The couple became parents to two sons, Robert and Reid. The family made their home in Culbertson. Turbo was a truck driver for Peter’s Trucking.

He loved his family dearly. His hobbies included watching Husker Football, and hunting goose and pheasants. Turbo would often shoot blue rock with friends on Sundays and had a quote “Sunday Funday, Gunday.”

He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Culbertson.

Turbo was preceded in death by his parents, William and Marcella Kehler; brother, Michael “Frog” Kehler; father-in-law, Gary Coates; and nieces, Chelsea and Charlye Jo Kehler.

Those left to celebrate his life include wife, Liz Kehler of the home in Culbertson; sons, Robert and Reid Kehler of the home in Culbertson; sisters, Theresa Kehler of Omaha, Ginger Cash (Don Franke) of McCook and Shelly (Harold) Larimore of Indianola, Neb.; brothers, Ed (Sandy) Kehler of McCook, Leland (Marla) Kehler of Loveland, Colo., and Fred (Sheila) Kehler of Culbertson; mother-in-law, Carole Coates of Gothenburg, Neb.; sister-in-law, Darrell (Jennifer) Chancellor of Gothenburg; sister-in-law, Char Kehler of Beaver City; nieces and nephews, Chad (Amy) Kehler, Amanda (Osama) Barzak, Jessica (Julika) Kehler, Cory (Stephanie) Starkey, Elizabeth (Glen) Taylor, Jacob Cash, Rachel Cash, Shasta (Tyler) Dunn-Frisch, Maggie Kehler, Sederick Kehler, Skler Chancellor, and Abigail Chancellor; as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Culbertson with Pastor Alisa Parde, officiating.

Inurnment will follow at the Culbertson Cemetery, Culbertson.

Memorial contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers to the Culbertson Rescue Unit P.O. Box 421 Culbertson, NE 69024 or to the Robert & Reid Kehler Education Fund, in care of MNB Bank, P.O. Box 1208 McCook, NE 69001

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.