Thomas E. Kamler Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

A Public Memorial Graveside Service will be held for Thomas on Friday, January 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grace Lutheran Cemetery in rural Ohiowa, Nebraska with Kim Dunker presiding. No visitation - cremation. In Lieu of flowers - memorials are to be directed to Ohiowa Fire & Rescue or the Sons of the Ohiowa American Legion - Franklin Post 193. Thomas Eugene Kamler was born December 6, 1953, to William Junior Kamler and Phyllis (Hogue) Kamler of rural Shickley, Nebraska. Tom grew up in Momence Township, Fillmore County, with siblings Jim, Richard, Susan, Bonnie and Mike. Tom graduated from Geneva High School with the class of 1973. Tom went to Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska to earn an Associate’s Degree in Auto Mechanics. He worked for several area dealerships in Thayer and Fillmore County. On May 8, 1976, Tom and Shirley (Braden) Kamler were married in Geneva, Nebraska. Their 3 sons: Christopher was born 1976; Kevin born 1982 and Phillip born 1992. On December 1, 2006 grandson, Rylan, was born to Kevin and Amy Fletcher. Tom pursued a self-employed career using his talents in welding and mechanics. He began a custom swathing and baling service across Fillmore County which soon expanded to include York, Clay, Thayer, Jefferson, Saline and Seward counties. Hesston, Vermeer and Allis Chalmers were his reliable equipment brands. In November of 1994, Tom, Shirley, Kevin and Phillip moved to Belle Prairie Township in Fillmore County, Nebraska. In 2004, Tom accomplished his life-long dream of building his “Shop” of which the “Doors” were always open and strangers who entered soon became friends. He raised a cow/calf herd through his connections with the East-Turkey-Creekers in Madison Township. Black Angus and Charolais were his breeds of choice. His herding dogs were of the Border collie breed. His compassion for livestock was instilled in his sons, Kevin and Phillip who were 4-H members and showed home-raised cow/calf pairs at the Fillmore County Fair. Tom had the patience to allow Shirley to raise horses and invested in the necessary equipment for her to ride and show at local events. They also raised many feathered friends including ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and chickens. Many cats were allowed to be re-homed in the barn. Every Nebraska season held special adventures for Tom, his family, friends and neighbors. Spring brought the calving/fishing season; summer the haying /fishing season; autumn was gardening/canning/fishing and equipment cleanup; winter involved working on shop projects, ice fishing and coyote hunting after the snowfall. In July 2013, Tom was diagnosed with COPD. His career changed again toward interests in the excavator business. His adventures were sparked by the Friday evening TV show “Gold Rush”. He held many memories with others in numerous outdoor activities including fishing trips across Nebraska and Kansas and shared hunting trips across Nebraska for trophy bucks with Shirley. His road trip with Phillip in the semi to Colorado to get his Deere Digger was one of his most talked about travels. Kevin, Phillip and Rylan shared in his many outdoor adventures and he enjoyed teaching them the safety and skills of hunting and fishing for trophy game. He had the pleasure to join Smurf Lindersmith sailing down “The River” in a pontoon. Tom became addicted to modern technology: smart phone use and internet. Exploring YouTube became a hobby. He used the videos to advance his knowledge in better educating himself in fix-it projects, gardening, cooking and canning. If he couldn’t find the part or tool he needed, he created it from scrap. He finally expanded his interest to Google and Facebook groups learning more about the Allis Chalmers tractors repair and maintenance assisting Phillip in rebuilding older models. Tom passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021 after health complications placed him at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was 67 years 1 month and 17 days of age. He was preceded in death by sons, Christopher in 1976 and Kevin in 2007. He is survived by wife, Shirley and son, Phillip of Ohiowa; grandson, Rylan Kamler and Amy Fletcher of Sarpy County, Nebraska.

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Thomas E. Kamler

December 6, 1953 - January 23, 2021