Lenella Helen Kahrs

ahrs, Lenell Irene The light of a beautiful spirit burned for the last time in the hushed hours before dawn on December 2, when Lenell Irene Kahrs of Bloomington, 91, peacefully took her final breath on earth at home. Her beloved life mate of nearly 73 years Bob was holding her hand, fulfilling the promise he'd made to his sweetheart long ago to be with her to the very end. Born in Pisgah, Iowa to Joe and Anna Farley on June 10, 1933, Lenell was blessed to meet the love of her life Robert (Bob) Kahrs in March 1948 at the tender age of just 14 while attending Glorified Church of Christ in Sioux City, Iowa. Their connection was instant and lasting. They married four years later and began what would become an enduring partnership that witnessed joy, pain, laughter, tears, elation, disappointment, and everything else in between in life. Most of all though, they had a love that defied the odds. Together they shared successes, learned from mistakes, worked hard for what they had, struggled with life's challenges, and loved one another steadfastly through it all. Bob and Lenell made their home in Sioux City after they married, where Lenell worked for Northwestern Bell as a long-distance operator from 1950-1956. They moved to Minneapolis when Bob took a job as a supervisor with Wonder Bread in 1956, and they decided to build a home in Bloomington. In the years after they moved from Iowa to Minnesota, three children blessed their lives and home: Kraig (1957), Karen (1959), and Kevin (1963). Lenell found a way to stay near her children once they attended school, working as a cook at various West Bloomington schools from 1962-1977, including Jefferson High School. In later years, Lenell served as a primary daycare provider to two families. She and Bob had already become proper grandparents in their own right, but they quickly earned the titles of honorary grandparents to the children for whom they opened up their home and hearts. Lenell is preceded in death by her parents, sister Joann and son Kevin. She is survived by her devoted husband Bob; children Kraig Kahrs; Karen (Joe) Martel; brother Austin (Linda) Farley; grandchildren Ryan, Amber and Bobby Kahrs; Angela (Erik) Fox; Andrew (Cynthia) Benson; Joseph Martel IV (Sammi); great-grandchildren Lenell (Ellie) and Trenton Fox; Gabe, Izzy and Abby Benson; Lydia, Aubree, Kylee and Emilee Martel; "honorary grandchildren" Stephany (AJ) Jeurissen); Bryan, Marysa and Deryck Haak; and Emmanuelle and Trevor Boschee, as well as a host of special friends who will deeply miss her. When asked what she felt was her greatest achievement in life besides being a mother and grandmother, she said without hesitation, "being able to make a difference for the babies I took care of as a daycare provider." Indeed, Lenell's legacy is one of great love, and her impact on many lives is undeniable. Her gentle spirit is a gift that will be forever cherished. A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 9 at Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church in Bloomington, with visitation one hour prior to the service.