Monthly Archives: July 2009

Thank you to each and every friend and relative who attended the Berliner Kehler Homecoming and book launch event at the Mennonite Heritage Village on Sunday, July 26, 2009. 

Kehler cousins, Syd Reimer, Al Reimer and Glen Kehler were overwhelmed with the response and grateful for the recognition of their three years of work to put the Berliner Kehler story into print.

There were over 175 relatives and friends at the afternoon event which included a reading by author Al Reimer and reminiscing by Glen Kehler. Syd Reimer chaired the program and the Ebenfeldshcha Bosch Brennt Dohl Band (Peter B. Kehler & Friends) provided musical entertainment.

Thanks also to the Kehler cousins who baked and served cookies and coffee to accompany the visiting after the program.

Sales of the book The Berliner Kehler Clan – A History in Portraits were brisk and the first printing was sold out. However, a second printing is underway and will be available shortly.

Photos of this most memorial event can be viewed here.

Jacob and Elisabeth (Schultz) Kehler and oldest granddaughter, Annie Penner ( 1913)

­The Kehlers living in the wider Steinbach region are a truly remarkable clan. Not only are they as numerous as chokecherries in August, but like chokecherries they grow in dense family clusters in close proximity to each other. ­ There the comparison breaks down.  Chokecherries are silent, waiting to be picked. ­ The Kehlers are never silent and anything but passive. They are active, spirited and vocal – if not downright gabby. ­They never stop talking and when they have nothing more to say they go on talking for the sheer pleasure of it. When Kehlers get together the air turns into a whirlwind of words and laughter. As the Kehlers themselves like to say: ‘Never bury a Kehler until you’ve made sure his mouth is dead too.’ (more…)

Peter S.T. Kehler

Peter S.T. Kehler passed away peacefully July 24, 2009 at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach at the age of 83 years.

Dad will lovingly be remembered by his wife Eva (Toews) and his children Clifford (Bev), Jerry (Brenda), Peter, Jeff Funk, Darlene (Bill) Hiebert, Darryl (Jackie), Pearl (Brad) Kallert, 15 grandchildren and their spouses plus two great-grandsons; as well as numerous brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Dad was predeceased by an infant daughter Pauline, parents David and Helen, brothers Dave (Katie), Jake (Helen), Henry, Edgar and brother-in-law Bill Hildebrandt. (more…)