Gilbert Joseph Kahn, 90, died peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, at Village Shalom. Funeral services were held Dec. 18, at The Louis Memorial Chapel; burial followed at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to Village Shalom or Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care.
Beloved husband, father and grandfather, he was born on Jan. 1, 1924, in Kansas City, the son of immigrants from Lithuania, Sarah and Samuel Kahn. The youngest of six siblings, he was a natural businessman; he purchased his first building when he was 13, and worked in the family grocery business until joining the Navy in 1943. After being chosen for the Officer’s Training Program, he was sent to college in Warrensburg, Mo., and later, to Notre Dame University. He returned to Kansas City as owner/manager of Kahn’s Market at 18th and Brooklyn, where he continued to hone his business savvy.
In 1951, he married Rita Ann Horwitz, whom he loved and cherished until the day he died. In 1961, he struck out on his own and founded his first general contracting company, Callegari Kahn. In 1973, he established Morton-Kahn Construction Company, which eventually became the 12th largest company of its kind in Kansas City. He retired in 1985.
Throughout the years, he enjoyed keeping physically fit; he was a gymnast in high school and college, a weight-lifter, an aerial darts and tennis player, a golfer, a horseback rider and a swimmer. He was a lover of talent, and enjoyed everything from Frank Sinatra to Broadway shows to “American Idol.” He also loved to dance with his wife, Rita.
A raconteur, he enjoyed regaling friends and strangers alike with tales of his family schemes and business deals. He always had a twinkle in his eye (but it could quickly disappear when someone disagreed with him!) He could be gruff, but could also be a teddy bear. Later in life, he took great pride in getting to know his children and to appreciate how much they, and Rita, meant to him.
Gilbert Kahn was preceded in death by his sister, Rose Kahn, and brothers, Louis, Tommy, Jack and Earl. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rita Ann, his son Stuart (Elvira), daughter Sarilee (David Singer) and granddaughters, Ariel and Nicole. The family is grateful to Village Shalom and Kansas City Hospice for their care, kindness and comfort. May he rest in peace.
Online condolences at www.louismemorialchapel.com.
Arr: The Louis Memorial Chapel 816-361-5211.