Peacefully, surrounded by his family our beloved husband, father and grandfather gently passed away into the arms of the Lord. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Annie Kehler; his children, Marlene (Reg) Reimer, Roy (Pamela) Kehler, Diane (Roy) Penner, Bob (Jo-Anne) Kehler and grandchildren, Gina and Mark (Sharon) Reimer, Jacqueline and Jordan Kehler, Todd and Carlee Penner and Lonnie Kehler. John is survived by his sisters, Kelly Larson and Mary Daniel and his brothers, George, Ben (Lila), Dave (Irene) and Ernie (Eva). Dad was predeceased by his parents Aron and Elizabeth Kehler; his sisters, Susie and Betty and brothers, Jake and Peter. Dad was born in Hochfeld, Man., and for the first four years of his marriage to Anne he was a farmer. Since his real passion was building, John became a building contractor in 1949 and continued to build extensively throughout Manitoba until his retirement in 1988. Dads outgoing personality and love for people has surrounded him with a large circle of dear friends throughout his life. John and Anne travelled extensively throughout Canada, USA, South America and Europe. Dad had a real love for fishing, a passion he shared with his family and friends. He was an active member of the CMC church in Steinbach and donated much of his retirement time to helping the Mennonite Central Committee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Johns memory to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). The family would like to thank Dr. Gordon Dyck, nurse Mary Rempel and the home care staff for their care and compassion. Prayers and viewing will be held on Monday, February 14, at Loewen Funeral Chapel from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will take place at the CMC church, 479 Hanover St., Steinbach, Man., on Tuesday, February 15, at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Heritage Cemetery in Steinbach.
