Ronald Benjamin Kehler passed away peacefully, September 1, 2012, at Beacon Hill Lodge in Winnipeg. Ron leaves behind his beloved wife Helga; his daughter Joyce Kirsch, son-in-law Brad and grandchildren Tanner and Kaylee; his son Todd Kehler-Yokobori, his daughter-in-law Tomoko, and grandson Ren.
He also leaves his sisters Violet Doerksen, Joyce and Cornie Stoesz, brothers Glen and Kathie, Rueben and Tina, Ken and Marge, Peter and Judy of Calgary and sister in-law Joan Kehler of Vancouver BC.
Ron was predeceased by his parents John S. and Annie Kehler, his sister Edna, brothers Henry and Helene, Walter, John and Hetty of Vancouver, and brother in-law Peter Doerksen and many nieces and nephews.
Ronald was born in Steinbach, MB, where he spent his early years. As a young man he headed to Winnipeg where he spent 35 years in the construction industry working as a carpenter and later as a project-site superintendent. Ron was married to Helga (Schindel) in 1966, and their two children Joyce and Todd were both born in 1969. Ronald took great pride and satisfaction in his work, and was well-respected throughout his field. Each of the many buildings he saw go up under his supervision during the 1970s through the 1990’s still display their integrity and lasting durability. He was always most proud of the Calvary Temple Church, completed in 1974.
His love for his family was equally durable and in his retirement years he took great joy in spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren in their home in Oakbank, MB. All who knew Ron remember him for his generosity, compassion and his sometimes outrageous sense of humour. He also loved to garden, roam the forests for edibles, and discover new things and places. Music was also something that reached deeply into Ron’s soul, as he was an excellent self-taught accordionist with a fine baritone voice.
At Ron’s request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held for Ronald at the Royal Canadian Legion, 294 Lumber Avenue, Steinbach, MB on Sunday, September 9, 2012 at 2:00pm. Friends and family are all welcome to come and share their memories of Ron.
“Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same
As God calls us one by one our chain will link again”
September 1 2014 . Dad, I can’t believe this is the third September without you . I am still as sad as the day you passed away September 1 2012. I just hope you know I still think about you every single day. I’m trying to teach Tanner and Kaylee the same as you taught me and Todd. Miss you and loving you forever .
All my love
big Joyceee.
Ps Mom is doing okay. Until then. Wish you were here. Bye for now.
Thanks for sharing your love for your dad . He was a very very special brother to me and he was so proud of his daughter and son . He loved you soooo much and we heard his pride for his family everytime I saw him since you were born. When your son Tanner was born he called me with such pride and joy he had in his heart for his new grandson. Yes wish he was here for you and your family.
I thank you all for your wonderful heartfelt condolences for our dearest brother Ron. I will miss him dearly and loved him very much. I know his struggles are all over now and he is in a place of no sickness, sadness or pain. I am so grateful for having been born to a family of caring people .
Thanks to Joyce, Glen, Todd and many others for making Ron’s farewell a memorable event. You all did him proud! Thanks to all the cousins and friends who paid their respect to my brother.
Peter A. Kehler
On behalf of family and friends in BC we would like to send our deepest condolences to Helga, Todd, Joyce and all the extended family. Although our paths have not crossed for many years, fond and humorous memories of Uncle Ron still make us laugh and feel good. As children, Ron stayed with us on the farm where he worked with Dad (John) in construction then did farming chores when he got home as directed by Mom (Hetty). After dinner he would try to relax, but we would not have that as it was playtime. I recall wrestling with him and my siblings ran through his beautiful 57 Chevy with muddy shoes. Boy can he yell really loud and run fast. I recall him telling elephant jokes and always teasing someone especially our mother as she was always the most vocal back at him. Some years later he stayed out here to learn construction techniques being used in BC. I used to look forward going to visit him and Helga and kids in Langley.
As Uncle Ron travels on his journey to the next life we wish him well. He is joined by all those whom have passed before him and is in great company with the comfort and support by all those he has touched in this life. Thank you for being part of our lives, we all love and miss you deeply.
Thomas Kehler
Dear Helga & family,
May you find comfort in warm, loving thoughts extended by friends and loved ones who really care. Have fond memories and taking advice and comfort from Dear Violet on how to cope with big brothers & little brothers …we were pitifully out numbered as girls in our large families, but also take pride in how well they (our brothers) have turned out! Thinking of you with deepest sympathy.
God bless and keep you,
Maria Giesbrecht
It is with extreme sadness we learned of the passing of Ronnie. We send our heartfelt sympathy to our family back in Canada.
Like Don, I had the great fun of visiting Uncle John and Aunt Anns many times in my youth. Peter and I hung out when I was there. Ronnie, Benny and those cousins a little older tested the policing skills of Constable Ben Sobering.
Ronnie was the character, loving to banter with Aunt Ann to see what buttons he could push. This always led to gales of laughter in that warm country kitchen. Always concluded with a big hug from Aunt Ann and always telling Ronnie he was sooooooo-special.
Bon Voyage cousin, Aunt Ann will be waiting for you with open arms.
Much Love!!
Lee & Dianne and family
Lake Wylie SC
I will always remember Uncle Ron as a man who loved his family so very much. He was so very proud of his wife, vhildren, nieces, nephews and his siblings. Uncle Ron meant so much to me as I was growing up. I spent many days over at their house in OakBank. He always was joking and teasing me. I don’t think Uncle Ron ever called me “Charlene”, to him I was “Shatty”.
As a very close cousin growing up in Steinbach, and spending so much time at Uncle John’s, it was such sad news to hear of Ron’s untimely passing. To the entire family, please except our deepest condolences.
Don & Shalmir and family.
Alaska/Ohio
I miss you so much. A piece of my heart left when you did. I’ll never be the same.
I saw a man who was wearing a shirt that read “Dad – a daughter’s first love, a son’s first hero”. That was you.
Wishing you were here, every day. Wishing my kids still had their Grandpa.
Loving you always.