Dr. Hermann A. Kahle

Dr. Hermann A. Kahle, age 88, of Hudson, Ohio, formally of Aurora, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2010.

He was the beloved husband of Gerda (nee Rueppel); loving father of Dieter (Susan), Dolf (Marilyn), and Evi; dear grandfather of Kevin, Lisa, Megan, Krista, and Eric; brother of Heinzgerd (Ina).

Hermann was born in Goittengen, Germany in 1922. Hermann Majored in Electronic Engineering with a minor in Physics and earned his Diplom Ingenieur (equivalent to MSEE) in 1950 from the University Darmstadt in Germany.

Hermann, along with his wife and two children, came to the United States in 1952 with only a Steamer Trunk and $300.00. He was contracted by the USAF on Missile Guidance and Control Systems, as a part of the Werner Von Braun Project of German Engineers. As an electrical engineer, his team was responsible for developing the first computerized guidance missile system. In 1966 Herman and his wife received their American Citizenship for which they were very proud to be Americans. After his contract was up with the USAF Hermann went into the private industry for 15 years at Lear Siegler, Inc., rising to VP Engineering, responsible for development of electric power systems, electro-mechanical actuators, electro-static inverter and converters; all for the aerospace industry for use in commercial and military aircraft, missiles, and submarines. He was credited with 11 patents that enhanced the electrical systems.

Hermann became President of the Engineering and Design Group for Nesco, Inc. in 1976 whereby he established and managed Engineering offices in approximately 20 cities in the U.S. He was involved in design for Nuclear Power Plants, Steel, Automotive, and Chemical Plants.

Hermann retired in 1982 from Nesco, and after six months of playing golf, Hermann decided to invest in his own business. An ad was placed in the Wall Street Journal for a business that that was in distress. After evaluating over 200 companies, he decided to purchase a small printing company, VM Decal Co. in North Royalton. He renamed it Visual Marking Systems, Inc., and he created a visionary market niche that placed the company on a steady growth path for 20-plus years. VMS strived to be on the leading edge in technology by acquiring the most modern equipment in their industry, and emphasizing the best in customer service. He focused on continuous education of all employees, believing that educated employees will perform better. Under the leadership of Hermann and his sons, the company has grown to 10 times it's size and is now among the top 10 companies specializing in industrial decals, labels, and nameplates in the U.S.

In 2005, Hermann permanently retired and became Chairman of the Board Emeritus. Hermann was one of the Original Founding Members of the Cleveland Racket Club, was a member of Walden Country Club for 33 years. Some of his hobbies included tennis, golf, snow skiing, and world travel with his wife. Travel took the couple to every continent except Antarctica, which he said was just too cold. At age 75 Hermann found a new passion in painting and has completed over 80 oil paintings. Also a big believer in continuing education, at age 76 he earned his PHD. In Organizational Behavior.

Memorial service 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 11, 2010 at the Chapel at Crown Center of Laurel Lakes, 200 Laurel Lake Drive, Hudson, Ohio. Family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Walden Country Inn, 1119 Aurora Hudson Rd., Aurora, OH 44202. Memorial contributions may be made in Hermann's name to the Cleveland Clinic Cardiovascular Dept., 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44195. Arrangements by Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home Chagrin Falls, Ohio.