Roll Call Tribute
Thomas "Tom" Kahlich '44 May 7, 2012 1:22 PM
Henneke Funeral Home obituary
Name: Tom Kahlich, 89
Died: April 9, 2012, in Columbus, Texas
Thomas Franklin "Tom" Kahlich, 89, of Columbus, Texas passed away on April 9, 2012 in Columbus. He was born on July 11, 1922 to Frank Felix Kahlich and Lillie (Gold) Kahlich in Weimar, Texas. Tom was the oldest of three children. On July 6, 1966, he married Gwyneth Lucille "Gwyn" Rigdon whom preceded him in death on December 22, 1997.
Kahlich joined the Marine Corps and served as a First Lieutenant in World War II. Following his honorable discharge in March 1946, Kahlich completed his education at Texas A & M University, graduating in August 1947. Following graduation, he joined the sales force for Colt Inc. During his 30 year career, he was repeatedly recognized for excellence.
Tom was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus where he participated in the Knights of Columbus Council #2971, and served a term as Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree, served as a Eucharistic Minister of St. Anthony's, and worked on fundraising committees. He also loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and photography.
Tom is survived by his sons, Mark Kahlich and wife Marilyn of Arizona, and Dean Kahlich and wife Linda of New Mexico; daughters, Sally Burch and husband Dan of California, and Jill Cox and husband Michael of North Carolina; four stepsons, Scott Mansker and wife Patty of Kansas, Steve Mansker and wife Carolyn of California, Dale Mansker of California, and Guy Mansker and wife Charyl of New Mexico; brother, David Kahlich and wife Elvira of Weimar, TX; and 22 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Felix Kahlich and Lillie (Gold) Kahlich, wife, Gwyn Kahlich, and a sister, Colleen Willrodt.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. There will be a Parish Prayer Service and K of C Rosary at 7:00 PM, Friday at the funeral home. Visitation at the Church will be from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Saturday.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus, Texas with Fr. Dan Kahlich and Deacon Bennie Holesovsky officiating. Interment will follow at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Columbus. Pallbearers are Larry Uhlig, Paul Kahlich, Bill Willrodt, Dave Isbell, Don Mutshink, Mike Wallace, R.C. Kleimann, Franklin Addicks and Don Helms.
Memorials may be given to St. Anthony Catholic Church, P.O. Box 669, Columbus, TX 78934.
Name: Tom Kahlich, 89
Died: April 9, 2012, in Columbus, Texas
Thomas Franklin "Tom" Kahlich, 89, of Columbus, Texas passed away on April 9, 2012 in Columbus. He was born on July 11, 1922 to Frank Felix Kahlich and Lillie (Gold) Kahlich in Weimar, Texas. Tom was the oldest of three children. On July 6, 1966, he married Gwyneth Lucille "Gwyn" Rigdon whom preceded him in death on December 22, 1997.
Kahlich joined the Marine Corps and served as a First Lieutenant in World War II. Following his honorable discharge in March 1946, Kahlich completed his education at Texas A & M University, graduating in August 1947. Following graduation, he joined the sales force for Colt Inc. During his 30 year career, he was repeatedly recognized for excellence.
Tom was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus where he participated in the Knights of Columbus Council #2971, and served a term as Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree, served as a Eucharistic Minister of St. Anthony's, and worked on fundraising committees. He also loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and photography.
Tom is survived by his sons, Mark Kahlich and wife Marilyn of Arizona, and Dean Kahlich and wife Linda of New Mexico; daughters, Sally Burch and husband Dan of California, and Jill Cox and husband Michael of North Carolina; four stepsons, Scott Mansker and wife Patty of Kansas, Steve Mansker and wife Carolyn of California, Dale Mansker of California, and Guy Mansker and wife Charyl of New Mexico; brother, David Kahlich and wife Elvira of Weimar, TX; and 22 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Felix Kahlich and Lillie (Gold) Kahlich, wife, Gwyn Kahlich, and a sister, Colleen Willrodt.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. There will be a Parish Prayer Service and K of C Rosary at 7:00 PM, Friday at the funeral home. Visitation at the Church will be from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Saturday.
Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus, Texas with Fr. Dan Kahlich and Deacon Bennie Holesovsky officiating. Interment will follow at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Columbus. Pallbearers are Larry Uhlig, Paul Kahlich, Bill Willrodt, Dave Isbell, Don Mutshink, Mike Wallace, R.C. Kleimann, Franklin Addicks and Don Helms.
Memorials may be given to St. Anthony Catholic Church, P.O. Box 669, Columbus, TX 78934.
505 George Bush Drive
College Station, TX 77840
(979) 845-7514
When Aggies see a need, their energy and their selflessness draw others into the cause, and good things happen.
© 2026 The Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University, All Rights Reserved