Obituary of John E. Kehler

John Kehler passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 3, 2017. After being surrounded by family since his stroke on Thursday morning, he quietly slipped away on Sunday morning to be with his Lord and Savior. His greatest wish was for people to know he loved the Lord.

He is survived by his wife Edna, son Jim Kehler and wife Phyllis, daughter Clara Vermette and husband Gerald. Also left to cherish his memories are grandchildren, Matt Kehler and wife Kayla, Stephanie Anderson and husband Garrett, Braden Kehler, Lindsay Siemens and husband Jamie and Jennifer Reimer. He is also survived by his sister Esther Penner and brother Art Kehler. John is predeceased by parents, Margaret & Cornelius Kehler, sister Edna Hildebrand and husband Dave, brother Neil Kehler and son Murray John Kehler.

Dad was born in Myrtle, Manitoba to parents Margaret & Cornelius Kehler. Edna and John were married on August 25, 1956. His occupation in construction led him & his family to Calgary during the early years of their marriage. Farming later brought them back to Kane, Manitoba where they spent many years on the family farm. Shortly after this he teamed up with his brother in an auctioneering partnership lasting over 40 years. He became a licensed pilot at the age of 19 flying first recreationally and later as an aerial applicator. One of his greatest joys was giving his children & grandchildren plane rides thrilling us with those 20 foot drops leaving our stomachs reeling somewhere up above.  Another favorite pastime was collecting and flying model airplanes. His favorite color was red which we have chosen to wear as a tribute to him today.  He had a great gift for memorizing scripture, stories and poems and he willingly shared that gift with us. Christmas will not be the same without that family tradition! 

A Celebration of John's life will be held Sunday, December 10, 2017 at the Morris Emmanuel Baptist Church at 2:00pm.  A private family burial will take place prior to the funeral.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Fraser and all of the nursing staff at Morris General Hospital for their love and excellent care. We also thank Cory Wall from the Morris Funeral Chapel for the compassion, care and understanding he has shown during our time of grieving. We sincerely appreciate the presence and support of family and friends during this time.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of John to the Samaritans Purse.