Arthur "Art" Kaha

Arthur “Art” Kaha, beloved by family, friends, and several generations of Architecture Students at the University of Illinois, passed on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Art was born on April 4, 1939, in Cairo, IL. He started his architectural career with Lee, Potter, Smith and associates and became their President before leaving to start his own firm, Kaha Prineas Stark. Art moved his family to Champaign IL to get his master’s in architecture and begin his teaching career.

He dedicated most of his life to his Alma Mater, the Illinois School of Architecture. Art received his Bachelor of Architecture in 1966 and a Master of Architecture in 1974. For 30+ years, he occupied both teaching and administrative roles at the ISoA. In his two decades as Associate Director he tirelessly mentored, guided, and cultivated all undergraduate students. The myriad accomplishments of those former students are a testament to his dedication.

Art was the recipient of the 1996 AIA Excellence in Education Award, the 1999 FAA Excellence in Teaching Award, the 2000 Campus Award for Excellence in Advising Undergraduate Students, and the 2025 Illinois Medal. In recognition of his impactful career, the Illinois School of Architecture established the Art Kaha Honorary Scholarship.

Art is survived by his wife, Gerri Kaha, daughter, Myra Kaha, brothers, John Matthew (Laura) Kaha, Peter (Shelly) Kaha, brother-in-law, Gary and spouse Ann Kearney, stepsons, William and Bradley Harrison, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Lyon Kaha Sr. and Josephine Moreland Kaha, sisters, Josephine Kaha, Mary Emma and spouse, Johnnie Fisher, brother-in-law, Richard and spouse Sharon Kearney, nephews, John “Boo” Fisher, James “Jamie’ Fisher, and Jeremiah (Samantha) Kaha.

A Celebration of Art’s Life and Memory will be held in the Plym Auditorium at Temple Buell Hall on Thursday, October 8, 11:30-1:00, followed by a reception in the adjoining Atrium. This is an opportunity for everyone whose life he touched to gather at the school and honor his legacy.

Please join Art’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Cremation arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Champaign Chapel 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL. 61820.