Memorial Service for Kelly Mehler

A Service of Remembrance for the Life of Kelly Mehler

July 8, 1947~ October 5, 2025

October 11, 2025 2:00 pm

Rev. Kent Gilbert, Pastor Dr. Bernardo Scarambone, Organist

Gathering Music

Ringing of the Peace Bell      Leona Goforth and Dolores Vassallo, Kelly’s sisters

Introit “Sweet Rivers of Redeeming Love” Traditional Al, Alice, & Ruth

Welcome Rev. Kent Gilbert

Opening Prayer

Hymn #179 We Yearn, O Christ, for Wholeness Passion Chorale

1. We yearn, O Christ, for wholeness and for your healing touch;
too long have we felt helpless; our burdens seemed too much.
Forgetting all pretenses we make our pleadings heard,
in hope and expectation await your gracious word.

2. We long to have companions who travel by our side,
strong friends to call and answer with whom we are allied;
as we lift up each other when struggles lay us low,
community will flourish; our faith and caring grow.

3. We need your living presence, O Christ of Galilee,
a presence that revives us and sets our spirits free.
No longer are we fearful, your love pervades each place.
Empower us with courage to claim your healing grace.

Readings

Isaiah 43:1-7; 16-21 Peggy Patrick & Carla Baumann

Poetry Selection Robin Mehler

Special Music  Give Yourself to Love Kate Wolf; Al, Alice & Ruth

Words of Reflection and Remembrance Jason Mehler, Lisarose Galloway; Asa and Eli Mehler; Grant and Cole Galloway

Hymn #28      For the Beauty of the Earth           Dix

1 For the beauty of the earth,
for the splendor of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies,

Refrain: Christ, our Lord, to you we raise
this, our hymn of grateful praise.

2 For the wonder of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale and tree and flower,
sun and moon and stars of light, [Refrain ]

3 For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth, and friends above,
for all gentle thoughts and mild, [Refrain]

4 For the good that love inspires,
for a world where none exclude,
for a faith that never tires,
and for every heart renewed, [Refrain]

Words of Reflection and Remembrance Rev. Kent Gilbert

Special Music “On Eagle’s Wings”          Kingsbury, Joncas; Al, Alice & Ruth

Affirmation of Faith           Psalm 23

One: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

All: He makes me lie down in green pastures.

One: He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.

All: He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

One: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

All: your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

One: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

All: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Prayers of Commendation and Release        Rev. Kent Gilbert

Closing Hymn For Everyone Born              Shirley Erena Murray

Blessing the Way Ahead

Postlude

During the postlude, family will follow Rev. Kent to Garden for interment, while the congregation is invited to the fellowship and food downstairs. 

Honorary Pall Bearers:

Dale Barlow

Lou Deluca

Terry Fields

Charlie Hoffman

Steve Rhodes

George Schloemer

Bobby Craig Thompson

Al White

Adriel Woodman

The family wish to thank all of the neighbors, friends and colleagues who have held us all through Kelly’s illness and the grief of his death. Your kindness is our comfort.

Please use the included card to share any memory, story, gift or grace you wish to share about Kelly. They can be placed in the baskets in the fellowship hall or left at the altar if you are unable to stay.

Obituary

Kelly Mehler

July 8, 1947 ~ October 5, 2025

Kelly Mehler, 78, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on October 5, surrounded by the love of his wife, family, and friends. Known nationwide for his mastery of woodworking, Kelly was even more deeply known for the artistry of his kindness, generosity, and quiet strength.

Born in Chicago, Kelly came to Berea to attend Berea College in 1976. He and the love of his life, Teri, raised two children, Jason and Lisarose, and delighted in the growing circle of family that followed. Kelly’s devotion to his family was steadfast, and his support and joy in their company were among his proudest creations.

Kelly’s journey from a difficult youth to a life marked by compassion and peace was itself a masterwork. His deep empathy for others and his willingness to help anyone in need were hallmarks of his life. Whether fixing a neighbor’s appliance, building an accessibility ramp, or setting up a Zoom call for an elder, Kelly served others with humility and good humor.

Professionally, he was a legend in woodworking circles. Through his Berea workshop and school, Kelly taught countless students the art and soul of fine craftsmanship. His work, recognized for its elegant simplicity and respect for the natural beauty of wood, embodied precision, patience, and grace. Author of Mastering Your Table Saw—a text still used in classrooms nationwide—he lectured across the country but preferred the grounded joy of life in Berea.

Within his community, Kelly’s touch can be seen and felt throughout Union Church, where he and Teri were active members for more than two decades. From refinished pews and a custom-built AV booth to countless unseen repairs, his work was always an act of care. In recognition of his service and faith, the congregation named him an Honorary Lifetime Deacon.

In later years, Kelly faced cancer with courage, humor, and gratitude. Even in treatment, he continued to share warmth with medical staff and fellow patients alike. When asked how he was doing, his characteristic reply was, “Fine— not great, but fine,” always delivered with a smile.

Kelly Mehler’s true legacy lives in the lives he touched—the friends he lifted, the students he guided, the family he cherished. He was, in every way, a master craftsman of love.

A service celebrating Kelly’s life will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Union Church in Berea and livestreamed on the church’s online channels. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts to Union Church or Berea Home Village.

He is survived by two sisters, Leona Goforth and Dolores Vassallo, his loving wife Teri Mehler, his son Jason Mehler and wife, Robin, his daughter Lisarose Galloway and his grandsons Asa and Eli Mehler and Grant and Cole Galloway. In addition Kelly leaves circles of unbroken and cherished friendships across the community and the country. His treasure was always in the love he gave and received from each of you.

“The work is done, good friend. Lay the tools by and take your rest.”