John F. Kihm Obituary

RIP John, we Kihm's love The United States and are willing to fight and die for it if necessary, I was in the Navy from 1954 to 1962, I was on Submarines, UDT later called the Seals and Naval Intelligence, I guess we are related in some way I was from Cleveland Ohio, but was mustered in the Navy in Philadelphia.

Je ne connaissais pas ce jeune homme, il porte le même nom de famille que moi qui suis en France alors je me sens concernée pas sa tragique disparition et compatie à la peine de sa famille.

By freak of nature, I was doing a google search and found you. My name is John M Kihm and my father is Frank. I thank you for what you have given and have no doubts that in the realm of thinks we are related. Rest in Peace.

To our neighbors John and ceil Kihm. We remember John jr when we see the flag, a man in uniform, news of the war, or a story of another soldiers death. We pray for John and both my daughters still cry when they see any reference to army or military service. Johns loss affected so many of us. Perhaps that is the best way to show his death will never be in vain. Johns quiet manner and patriotism are models for all Americans and if his memory touches as many hearts as it seems to, then he will never really die.

To the family and friends of Pfc. John F. Kihm:
John gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."

Johnny was a great cousin to me and i still look at his picture all the time and i can still hear him laughing and telling funny stories. I remember waking up up every day and praying to god please bless Johnny i dont know what i would do without him. I remember the day johnny told everyone he was joining the military but i didnt hear him so i asked him what he said and he said nothing cause he didnt want be to worry about him. I also remember playing wii games with him.He was like a big brother to me.I remeber the day of Johnny viewing I started to cry even before we got in the place.Its hard just to say his name and not cry. I remeber the last time I saw him we were watching a show and at the end we did our handshake and then for some reason we hugged.I miss writing letters to Johnny.Johnny I love you so much and I still wish you were here. Johnny rest in peace and i know already you probably got a black and white milkshake up there already.God please watch over all the military and make it a peace full world cause to many soldiers are dying and getting hurt. RIP Johnny

To the family of PFC John Kihm,
My sincere condolences to you and to all those who loved John. My son spent a tour of duty in Afghanistan (2002) and Iraq (2008). I understand the sacrifice the family has made. Know that John is a hero to many who had never met him. God bless you and may He keep you in His arms through the pain of this loss of your loved one.

We are very sorry for the loss of your loved one. Thank you John for the ultimate sacrifice while serving for our country. May John rest in peace.

Proud aunt & uncle of:
LCpl Ralph J. Fabbri
Gallitzin, PA
KIA 09/28/2010

To the Kihm family,

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. John will never be forgotten.

For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you .

I Salute You.


Suzanne MacDaniel (Colonie,NY)
- A Proud Aunt
SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq

Dear Kihm Family, May you find peace in knowing that your beloved son gave his life to serve and protect our freedoms. I know that God holds your treasured son in his hand to thank him and love him for his sacrifice. You raised an unselfish caring young man. May you find comfort in knowing how many loved John. Even if through others. God Bless You.
Doreen, Kris, Kyle, Brianna Seiberlich

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kihm;
As a cousin of a person serving in the military in Afghanistan my heart goes out to you and your family on the loss of your son John. He was just 2yrs. younger than my son is now. My son is friends with John's friend Mike Dickson. John is a true hero and my family and I thank him for keeping us and the country safe from harm, and thank you for supporting him when he chose to enlist. May God Bless all of you at this time of sorrow, and may he heal your pain with his loving touch.

With Deepest Sympathy.

Mr. and Mrs. Kihm,
My deepest sympathy to your entire family on the death of your son. As you struggle with your grief know our entire nation is grateful for his last full measure of devotion to preserve our freedom. This fellow Dougherty graduate prays for you and for John's immortal soul.
God bless you,

May God keep you in the palm of his hands during this very difficult time and help ease your pain. I did not know your son John however I appreciate the sacrifice he made for myself, my family and our country. God Bless John and all of you. (Friend of Kathy Fennelly)

Thank You.

Dear Kihm Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your son John. As parents of a son who is also serving in Afghanistan in the 10th Mountain Division, we know the worry that you experienced for your son. He is a Hero to his country and an example to all Americans of the sacrifice that allows us to live with the freedoms that other countries can only dream about. Though your loss can never be replaced and no words can adequately express your grief, please know that we feel your pain deeply and pray for you and your family.
Thank You for the gift of your son and his service to our country. He lives now in the hearts and minds of all who treasure freedom.

Forever in our prayers and thoughts,

Paul & Janet Carroll

Being a Military Mom, I empathize with all of you, in this time of profound sorrow. John gave the ultimate sacrifice at too young an age.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers and now have your
"Special Guardian Angel to watch over
you"

Kathleen Vizzarri (U.S. Army Mom)

Dear Ceil, John, MaryBeth and Meghan,
There are now words to express our sorrow for you and the family. Watching Johnny grow up just three doors away it seems like yestereday the kids were playing on the patio out front.
Johnny is a true HERO who paid the ultimate sacrafice for his country.
May God bless him and your family.
We will miss him.
Rest in Peace Johnny

Greg, Bonne & Kelsey Malone
Ruth also...

R.I.P. Brave Soldier. I didn't know you personally, but I have a BF with the 10th Mountain Division, stationed in Ft. Drum & a son who is a Marine. My childrens Friends knew you personally. Heaven has a new Hero. My prayers go out to your Family.
Jill Brown

There are no words to express my sorrow. Johnny was a very special part of my first grade class. He touched my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Eileen Pippet

May God Bless your Hero, We will never forget what he has given.

dear ceil, john, marybeth, & meghan,
may memories, thoughts, & prayers comfort you at this most difficult time. johnny will surely be missed. may he rest in peace.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Kihm Family. As a Father Judge graduate and 10 year military member I cannot express how much your son is a hero to all men and women who served in the military.

Erik Saracino
United States Air Force (1997-2007)

John:
So sorry for you and your families loss. Let no one forget, whom this loss could have come and visited. Hope you can channel your peace through Him. May God take him under his wing, and bless him and his family and friends and Country for whom he has given the Ultimate Sacrifice. I'm very sure I would have been very proud to have met him in this life. He has joined the ranks of those who have gone home before us. May he rest in peace and honor.
Joe Fee

May you be comforted.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Dear Walsh & Kihm Families,
I did not know your son, personally. I do know, John was a great man, in serving our country. The Lord only receives, He never takes. John will be serving in God's Holy Army. Every night, I keep prayers, going out, to ALL of our military & their families. I am, a mother, of a USAF airman, I know not of your grief, I know of the worry. May God continue, His strength & Divine Love, upon you, as you head down, this road. Many blessings,

Dear Kihm Family,
Although we have never met your son, John, or the rest of your family, our hearts are filled with sorrow at your loss. Thank you for his service to our country as we also remember those Cardinal Dougherty graduates before him who sacrificed their lives so that we can enjoy our freedoms.
Bob (C.D. '65) and Elsie Stevens

So sorry for your loss. "Thank you" to your son for his service & sacrifice to our country. May God comfort & bless you
in your time of sorrow....you'll see him again in Heaven one day...Easter promises us that.

I can not imagine the pain and anguish you are feeling at this time. Please remember your son is a American Hero and will be remembered forever. God Bless you all.

To the Kihm Family; I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you. May the God of comfort strength you during this difficult time.

Dear Kihm Family,
Please accept my condolences. John was a remarkable young man who was kind and respectful to everyone. I had the pleasure of teaching John at CD and talking with him at Somerton Springs once in awhile. May he rest in peace.

Our deepest condolences to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. He will always be remembered by those he served along side of and by those who enjoy their freedoms for generation to come.
Semper Fidelis
Penn State Abington Veterans Club

John was a student when I taught at Pres BVM, he was a sweet, polite young man. I was heartbroken when I heard of this awful tragedy. I am thinking of John and praying for your family. With sincere condolences, Clare Sciulli

Dear Kihm Family;
Mere words cannot adequately express our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of John. As he has so honorably served our Nation our hearts and prayers go out to your family for the sacrifice by John and your family. Please know your loss is shared by all patriots. May God bless your family through this difficult time.

Your son, brother and grandson made the ultimate sacrifice for his country so that people like me could have the right to live free. God bless your family in the time of sorrow.

Ceil, John, MaryBeth, Meghan,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your son and brother. John was a true American Hero, may you find comfort in the memories you will have in your hearts forever. If you need anything, please don't hestitate to call.

Dear Kihm Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you journey through this difficult time. We do not know your family or John, we are a military family. We want to extend our deep appreciation to John for his service, he is a hero and his service and ultimate sacrifice affords us our freedom. John is "Safely Home" and God Bless John and the Kihm Family.

To the Kihm Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your son and brother John. As a Proud 2009 CD Graduate John joins a long list of CD graduates who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Please know that you are in the prayers of all Cardinal Dougherty graduates and that the Dougherty Alumni Family is at your beckon call to assist you at anytime.

We are both proud of your Hero and grieving with you during this terrible time. In the words of our Alma Mater-"he bore our glory far and wide". Mike Prendergast '69 CDHS ALumni Relations Coordinator

kihm family'
My deepest condolences. I have heard several stories of the random acts of kindeness that he did, that went unreported till now. john was a model at Cd of what our youth shoud be I greive at your loss and hope the stories of John that reflect the quality of life as a family that you gave him bring you some peace

Jack Fitzsimmons CD

Cecilia, John, Marybeth, Meghan and to your huge extended family, I am so sorry for your loss. For once, I am at a loss for words.

I had sent an article I found online to my uncle, Father Ed, who is a retired Army Chaplain Colonel who is a WWII and Vietnam War Vet. Seamus knows him well. In speaking with him at Easter, he was in awe with the passion Johnny felt in needing to serve. The electricity I felt from the conversation is a true tribute to Johnny and his serivce.

I also do business with a gentleman who is also a retired Army Chaplain. His last assignment was with the Mountain Division. He said that an assignment to the Mountain Division is one of the toughest assignments in the military. They are always deployed and get the toughest of jobs. It seems as if that group of young boys and men are very well respected throughout our Armed Forces.

I am very sorry and heavy hearted for your loss. My family and I are grateful for Johhny's sacrifce, your sacrifice and all those boys in harms way.

May your faith, family and friends see you through this brutal time.

With all my love and utmost respect,

Luggo

God Bless your family in your time of sorrow.

My heartfelt sympathy to the Kihm family in the loss of their beloved son.
Eleanor & Ray Rizzo [cousin of Pauline Arnold Corbi]

Dear Kihm family,
I am so sorry for your loss.It breaks my heart to think what you are going through. I was John's asst. cross country/track coach at CD. I must say that I enjoyed every day I spent with him, he was always there with some witty comment or joke when I had a bad day. (even though he talked me into hopping that fence). I am so glad that he was a part of my life and that I got to reconnect with him shortly before he was deployed. He was a wonderful young man who followed his dream. I will miss him greatly and be praying for all of you.
Chrissy Leahy-Nicholl

Dear Kihm Family,
My heart is broken just knowing what you are going through. Your family has touched my family in many ways over the years. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you and know we are all here for you if/when you need us.
The Leahys

Dear Kihm Family,

Words cannot express the sorrow everyone is feeling at the tragic loss of John. You know he was such a great kid. It was a blessing to get to know him at Cardinal Dougherty. Whether he was wrestling, running the halls for track or wrestling practice, or at the Kairos Retreat, I always remember him as a hard, but happy worker. He talked often about the military and serving his country, and I was always struck by his sense of honor and duty. He was a fine young man and I am proud to have known him. The Father Judge High School Community will continue to pray for John and for your family, as I will, always.

God Bless you,
Deacon Steve Guckin
School Minister (CD 2008-2010)
Father Judge HS

To the Kihm family:
In great appreciation of your son's courage and in honor of his selfless duty he has shown to all American's I am truly grateful for his service to his country and fellow man. I do not know you personally but thank you for raising a wonderful young man who played an important role in protecting our country.
May God Richly Bless you and comfort you.

Dear Ceil and John,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the girls, and the rest of your family. Our country has lost a dedicated and honorable young man, proud to be a soldier. Johnny’s warmth and love will live in your hearts forever. All those pictures you shared with me were of the proud moments in his life doing what was most important to him. May special moments remembered bring some comfort and peace.

Love,
Pat and Lori White

Dear Ceil and John,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the girls, and the rest of your family. Our country has lost a dedicated and honorable young man, proud to be a soldier. Johnny’s warmth and love will live in your hearts forever. All those pictures you shared with me were of the proud moments in his life doing what was most important to him. May special moments remembered bring some comfort and peace.

Love,
Pat and Lori White

Dear John, Ceil, Megan and Mary Beth,
Please accept our deepest sympathy at this saddest of times for your family. We will remember John as being polite, helpful, respectable, and most of all our "HERO".
Love,
Paul, Ruth, Gina and Dana Lepore

John, Ceil, Marybeth and Meg
We pray for your comfort and peace through our Lord Jesus. We are so sorry for the loss of Johnny. Hope to spend some time with you all, soon.
Al Marino

We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of John Kihm on your great loss. John’s courage and devotion to duty are truly to be honored, and his sacrifice in defense of our country and freedoms must never be forgotten. Although we do not know you, we now, sadly, share something in common. Our own son, PV2 Joseph Blake, was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 17, 2006 while he was deployed from Fort Drum with the 1-32 Infantry. We share your grief and sorrow at this time, and our prayers are with you.

From my family to your family goes our most sincere condolence. As a mother of a fallen soldier my heart goes to you. There are no words that can express the love for PFC. John F. Kihm that paid the price of the ultimate sacrifice. God gives you strenght.

My sympathies to you and your family.
Katie Bixby, Fredonia, NY

we all will miss john hope to see you on the front lines in heaven god speed buddy

At such a young age you made the ultimate sacrifice so that the rest of us can continue to run free. Thank you brother in arms and the rest of us will fight in your honor knowing you've got our backs!! Fly free paratrooper see you on the grounds of heaven!

thank you for your service and rest in peace.

Our sincere condolences. Your family is in our hearts and prayers. With utmost respect, gratitude and acknowledgement of the sacrifice PFC Kihm and his family have made on behalf of everyday citizens such as our family in Albany, NY. May God comfort you and keep you in His mercy and tender care.

Rest in Peace Hero. thank you and your family for the ulitmate sacrifice


Bob Crawford(warriors watch riders)

We may never understand why this happened but we do know you are safe now. No more sorrow or pain or worry. We also know we will see you again. You will be missed and always spoken of with the love and respect you earned in life and in death. You are our hero Johnny. We love and agonize over our loss. You have a place in our hearts and lives forever. Easter will always remind me of your wonderful life, your humor, your smile and your journey home. My prayers especially to Ceil and John, mary beth and Megan and Danny and Nick and Denise.

We may never understand why this happened but we do know you are safe now. No more sorrow or pain or worry. We also know we will see you again. You will be missed and always spoken of with the love and respect you earned in life and in death. You are our hero Johnny. We love and agonize over our loss. You have a place in our hearts and lives forever. Easter will always remind me of your wonderful life, your humor, your smile and your journey home. My prayers especially to Ceil and John, mary beth and Megan and Danny and Nick and Denise.
love patti M.
adamstown, MD

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Rest Peaceful Hero! Thank You John, for your dedication and sacrifice for our Freedom. Prayers for your love ones to find comfort knowing your watching over us always..

Very Proud Mother of
LCpl Ross S Carver
K.I.A. 09-03-10
Marjah, Afghistan

Always in our hearts,
Jennif S Leonard

Many prayers are with you and your family. Rest In Peace
Pfc John F. Kihm ..... An ultimate sacrifice - you know have special angel wings. My heart is with you all.
A Mom with a Marine and Soldier

Rest in peace.

Cei, John, Megan and Mary Beth We are so sorry for the loss of John, What a hero he was.We will keep all of you in our prayers, If there is anything we can do please let us know. May you find peace, at the very difficult time.

Jim, Barbara, Christina, Jimmy and Megan Lennon

I am so sorry for your loss. You do not know me but I am a Mom and it saddens me to know how you must feel. Death no matter how noble the cause brings heartache and pain. Please have hope in the promise that soon God will usher in a new world of peace:" (Isaiah 2:4) 4 And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.

Dear Ceil and John, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. He is a true hero and you can be proud. He died protecting our country. He will be remembered in my prayers and all of America.

Easter Saturday
April 23, 2011

To: PFC John F. Kihm, USA

You made the ultimate sacrifice...for your fellow soldiers, your country and for an ideal of freedom that is honored by men of good will. You and all who "laid down their lives" for this reason will not, cannot be forgotten. Along with all our military over the decades who paid such a price, you shall be a treasure to be revered for infinity. Thank you, may you forever rest in God's glory.

To: The Parents and Family of John

Thank you for your son and the values you provided to him and which he embraced. These words of comfort are inadequate but very sincere and from the heart. God bless him and God bless you at this time of deepest sorrow. All of you will be remembered in our prayers.

We both attended John's Baccalaureate
Mass from Cardinal Dougherty High School at the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul in June 2009. Fifty years separated his and my graduation from "Dougherty". Forty six years separated our both going into harms way. For us who are here, may we be worthy of his sacrifice. May he Rest In Peace.

Sincerely,
Gabe'59 and Linda Zinni

John, Unfortunate timing, such a short but heroic life. But how amazing to enter into the Kingdom of God with Jesus at this most Holy season! You were one of the brave members of our society who had the courage to stand up for what you knew was right. We shall never forget the sacrifice that you and your family have made in our nation’s fight for freedom. I honor you and your family and vow to remind people every day about the heroes who continue to give their all for all of us. Please also remember my nephew Sgt. Brandon C. Bury USMC in your prayers (June 6th, 2010, Afghanistan). You are with him now in heaven! God bless you and God bless your family during this Holy time and always! And always know that when you send us signs down here on earth, we see them, feel them, hear them and will never stop looking for them.
Betsy Bury Suburbs of Philadelphia, Pa

My deepest comdolences for your family. Your son made the ultimate sacrifice for us all, and is a true HERO. My nephew was killed exactly a year ago in Afghanistan. I know too well the pain your family is going through. May you find peace and comfort knowing that we all appreciate your son's sacrifice and bravery. He will never be forgotten!
PFC John K. Kihm may you rest in peace.
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." psalm91

I thank your son for serving this country and the cause of freedom. Please know that his name will be remembered and honored for as long as the fire of liberty burns bright in this world. That it burns at all is due entirely to generations of soldiers such as PFC. John K. Kihm. We are all the poorer for his loss.

Only the good die young! We prayer in this dark hour that the powerful love of Jesus Christ will encamp your grieving family. TRUST IN THE AWESOME HOPE WE HAVE FOR HEAVENLY REUNIONS! Sommerton pool will NEVER be the same

To the Kihm Family:
My deepest sympathy in the loss of John, your son, a true "American Soldier!"
May you find comfort in knowing that many strangers, (including myself) will forever be indebted to him for his extreme sacrifice.
Please also know that he, as well as all of you, will be remembered in my prayers.
Joanne - Philadelphia

Rest in Peace brave warrior. My deepest sympathy to your heart broken family.

Please accept my Deepest and Most Heartfelt Sympathy regarding the devastating loss of Pfc John Kihm, with So Much Gratitude for your Fine Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
There will Never Be Enough Ways, to Humbly Thank our Young Heroes, for their Sacrifices, my 19 year old brother among them, killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country Will Remember John's Sacrifice.

"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have passed away."
~ Revelations 21:4 ~

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to PFC. John F. Kihm our Brother-in-Arms . To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for John. And to John it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. John, you are a brave American Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,307 military Legionnaire Veterans of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to John’s family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109