KALER, Gerald 1935 - 2014

KALER, CHRISTIAN, ECKLUND, BROWER, WARD, LAWLER

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 12/9/2017 at 11:56:32

Gerald Kaler, age 79, of Wausau, passed away unexpectedly at Aspirus Wausau Hospital Thursday, March 13, 2014.

He was born on Jan. 18, 1935, in Mason City, to the late Helen (Christian) and Harry Kaler.

He attended and graduated from Mason City High School in 1953 and then graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in law.

He had many different business ventures during his lifetime. He was in the trucking business with his father at Kaler Freight lines and was the company attorney for the business in Mason City.

He owned a putt-putt golf course, was a pilot, and owned and operated pizza and chicken restaurants across the country including his greatest accomplishment of launching Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken and Catering in 1966, which he proudly ran as an owner/operator until his passing. He was one of the original 10 franchises which he bought from Lee Cummings (Colonel Harlan Sander’s nephew).

He told many colorful stories of the early days with Lee and the Colonel. He was known in the Wausau area as “The Chicken Man” or “The General,” as he bore a striking resemblance to Colonel Sanders that so many people commented on.

Gerald is survived by his Life Partner of 25 years, Cynthia Ecklund; son, Daniel (Sheryl) Kaler of Guthrie, Okla.; son Michael Kaler of Faribault, Minn.; son, Paul (Sarah) Kaler of O’Fallon, Mo.; stepson Samuel (Christina) Ecklund of Wausau, Wis.; five grandchildren, David Kaler, Gabriel Kaler, Leah Kaler, Jonah Kaler, and Mason Ecklund; two great-grandchildren; and the mothers of his children, Gerry Brower and Sally Ward. He is also survived by his sister, Ruby Lawler of Tyler, Texas; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, Wis.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at 1 p.m. on Friday March 21, 2014, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 11495 265th St. in Mason City, IA, with a luncheon to follow.

Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.