Arthur Glenn Kahl, a longtime Central Valley journalist, photographer and community servant whose work often focused on the people and stories of Ripon, passed away on June 7, 2026, in Manteca. He was 89.

Known to family, friends and readers as Glenn, Kahl spent much of his life documenting the everyday moments, milestones and community stories that helped shape Manteca, Ripon and surrounding communities. For many Ripon residents, his name was familiar through his work with the Manteca Bulletin, where he covered local stories, photographed community events and helped preserve the voices and history of the area.

Kahl was born on May 20, 1937, in Los Angeles, the only child of Kathryn and Arthur Kahl. He grew up in Los Angeles and Temple City and later attended Pasadena City College, where he met Mary Lou, the woman who would become his wife. The couple married on June 18, 1960, and built a life together centered on family, faith and service until Mary Lou’s passing from ALS in 2016.

Kahl served two years in the United States Army as a helicopter mechanic. His service brought him to Tracy, an assignment that eventually led him and his family to the Central Valley, first to Manteca and later to Ripon.

After his military service, Kahl built a respected career in journalism and photography. He worked for several newspapers, including the Victorville Press, the Manteca Bulletin and the Manteca News. Through the Manteca Bulletin, he became especially connected to Ripon, where he covered local people, businesses, events, service clubs, public safety, history and everyday life.

Kahl was also a contributor to Our Ripon and played an important role in helping expand the platform’s local coverage. His knowledge of Ripon, his deep community connections and his years of experience as a journalist helped strengthen Our Ripon’s mission of sharing stories that matter to residents. His involvement helped bring credibility, history and a stronger community voice to the growing local news website.

His byline and photography appeared on numerous Ripon-focused stories over the years, from local business features and community events to stories highlighting Ripon’s history and small-town character. His work included coverage of familiar gathering places, longtime residents, local celebrations, first responders and the community’s efforts to preserve its own history.

In one feature, Kahl wrote about Frank’s Place and My Garden Café, two popular Ripon breakfast spots where longtime friends and farmers gathered before dawn for coffee, conversation and community. In another story, he wrote about efforts to preserve Ripon’s newspaper history through the Ripon Historical Society and the downtown museum. His reporting often reflected a deep appreciation for the people who made the community what it was.

Kahl also covered moments of civic pride and public service in Ripon. His photography and reporting documented community support for local police and firefighters, as well as events and traditions that brought residents together. Whether he was writing about a business owner, a public safety event, a local church, a youth activity or a longtime resident with a story to tell, Kahl had a way of focusing on the human side of local news.

In addition to his newspaper work, Kahl owned a photography studio at 300 E. Yosemite Avenue in Manteca. Through that studio, he photographed weddings, senior portraits and family portraits for countless local residents. His work behind the camera preserved important memories for generations of families. He also shared his talent with students, teaching a photography class at East Union High School for one semester.

Kahl’s involvement in the community extended beyond journalism. He gave his time to several service organizations, including the Manteca Rotary, Ripon Rotary, Salida Rotary and the Manteca Kiwanis Club. He also coached Little League Baseball for the Tradeway Chevrolet team in the 1970s.

Those commitments reflected a life spent not only reporting on the community, but also being part of it. Through service clubs, youth sports, photography and local journalism, Kahl found many ways to contribute to the lives of others.

Glenn and Mary Lou raised four children: Steven, Scott, Sharon and Tim. He was also a proud grandfather to five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Later in life, he found companionship and love with Sue Ellen Myers, whom he later married.

Kahl leaves behind a legacy of storytelling, service and dedication to community. His work helped document the history, people and spirit of Ripon and the surrounding area, and his contributions will be remembered by those who knew him, worked with him and read the stories he shared.