A Century in the Life of Steinbach’s Kehler Clan

In August, the Kehlers held a one-day reunion in the Mitchell Arena, near Steinbach. Both physically and symbolically an arena is the proper place for a Kehler clan reunion.

Mennonite Mirror, October 1979 

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.’

Aunt Susan takes the mike from Syd Reimer at the Kehler clan gathering in Mitchell

In August, the Kehlers held a one-day reunion in the Mitchell Arena, near Steinbach. Both physically and symbolically an arena is the proper place for a Kehler clan reunion. In this case the site was fitting for another reason. The new arena in Mitchell happens to be built on what was once the south-east corner of the original Kehler family farm. Local residents waited nervously for this momentous gathering of the clan. Many made plans to be away from home that weekend, hoping that the neighborhood would not have been declared a disaster area when they got back. Some took new comfort in the hope that their brand new arena was sturdy enough to withstand the vocal onslaughts of hundreds of celebrating Kehlers of all ages. Continue reading “A Century in the Life of Steinbach’s Kehler Clan”

A Treasure Chest of Joy

Brothers Syd Reimer and Al Reimer recently composed a biography of their sister, a Berliner Kehler, Louise Reimer Olson. “A Treasure Chest of Joy” portaits some of the many struggles Louise faced, how she kept her integrity and passion for life. The book was released in March 2011.

A Treasure Chest of Joy

Brothers Sydney Reimer and Al Reimer recently composed a biography of their sister, a remarkable Berliner Kehler, Louise Reimer Olson.

A Treasure Chest of Joy– The Life of Louise Reimer Olson, portraits some of the many struggles Louise faced, how she kept her integrity and passion for life. Louise was incredibly loyal and loving. She worked extremely hard to support her family and left a remarkable legacy. Louise passed away peacefully on February 19, 2011. The book was released in March 2011.

If you are interested in obtaining this book, a limited supply, contact Syd Reimer for details.

Meadow’s Park Commemorates Tyler Dyck

A unique rocket monument and pocket park was recently built by friends, neighbours and family in Steinbach’s neighbourhood park of Tyler Dyck (1985-2009).

Ty’s Pocket Park on Coral Crescent, Steinbach, MB
A unique rocket monument and pocket park was recently built by friends, neighbours and family in Steinbach’s neighbourhood park of Tyler Dyck (1985-2009). Continue reading “Meadow’s Park Commemorates Tyler Dyck”

Mark Stafford Reimer (1953-2010)

Mark Stafford Reimer
Mark Stafford Reimer

Mark Stafford Reimer born on April 25, 1953 passed away on August 25, 2010 in Calgary, AB.

Left to mourn his passing are his two children, Jamie and Megan, both of Calgary, AB,  his parents, (Al) Elmer & Joan Reimer (Winnipeg, MB) and his siblings Cynthia Melanie Eeson, (Calgary, AB) and Curt Reimer (Winnipeg, MB).

Mark Stafford Reimer was laid to rest in the Rosenort E.M. Cemetery on September 3, 2010. Continue reading “Mark Stafford Reimer (1953-2010)”

50 Years Ago…

On the evening of August 10, 1959, twenty-seven year old Henry P. Kehler went back to the jobsite he was working at Barkman Concrete, to pick up his jacket, which he had forgotten.

 

 

Henry P. Kehler, Ed H Friesen
Henry P. Kehler, Ed H Friesen -1959

by The Mitchell CMC, courtesy of the CMC Chronicle

 

On the evening of August 10, 1959, twenty-seven year old Henry P. Kehler went back to the jobsite he was working at Barkman Concrete, to pick up his jacket, which he had forgotten.

He walked along a forming wall, something he did all the time. However, this time the forming wall gave way and Henry fell head first, his body twisted in the air and he landed on his back; a 3-4 foot piece of rebar piercing through his back and protruding out through his abdomen.

As Henry lay on the ground, the rebar through his body, he called out to God for help and relief. God granted his prayer, and he says the pain was much more bearable from that point on.

In 1959, there was no Medicare, so a group of construction workers put money together to help pay for Henry’s medical expenses of approximately $1,000. The amount accumulated until Ed H. Friesen presented him with $877.55. Continue reading “50 Years Ago…”

Arlene Helen Kehler (1955-2008)

Arlene Kehler Friesen
Arlene Friesen Kehler

Arlene Helen Kehler passed away on August 18, 2008 in Okotoks, AB.  Arlene was born in Steinbach, MB on August 26, 1955 to Benjamin & Elizabeth (nee Kehler) Friesen. She married Alan Kehler on October 25, 1974.

Besides her husband Alan and her parents, she leaves to mourn three sons, Matthew, Michael and Scott; three brothers and one sister. Continue reading “Arlene Helen Kehler (1955-2008)”

Thomas James Heinrichs (1976-1994)

Thomas James Heinrichs (1976-1994)
Thomas James Heinrichs (1976-1994)

Thomas James Heinrichs was born on August 25, 1976 and died in a tragic traffic accident along with his dear cousin Rachel Kaylani Heinrichs and friend Michael Scott Cameron McCullough on August 23, 1994.

He leaves to mourn his parents, Jim and Marj Heinrichs; sisters, Jen, Kate and Sara and brother Bill of Rosenort; grandparents Syd & Helen Reimer of Rosenort, Dick and Phyllis Heinrichs of Morden plus a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Tom was a kind and gentle person of great integrity who will be missed intesley by all who knew him. Continue reading “Thomas James Heinrichs (1976-1994)”

Katharina Wieler Kehler Stoesz (1893-1989)

Katharina Wieler Kehler Stoesz
Katharina Wieler Kehler Stoesz

Katharina Stoesz was born May 27, 1893 at Chortitz (Randolph), Manitoba. Her parents were Henry P and Helen Wieler.

She passed away Tuesday, August 1, at 6:45 pm at Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach. She reached the age of 96 years, two months and 5 days.

She was baptized in the Chortitzer Church where she stayed a member with a very strong faith.

November 2, 1914 she was married to George S Kehler by the Rev. Johann Schroeder of Ebenfeld. Continue reading “Katharina Wieler Kehler Stoesz (1893-1989)”

Jacob H Kehler (1912-1972)

Following a short illness, Jacob Kehler of Red Lake, ON passed away at the age of 60 years on Tuesday August 29, 1972 at the Red Lake Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Kehler was born at Halbstadt, MB and was educated there. He lived in Manitoba until 1957 when he moved to Red Lake, ON. He was married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Friedensfeld in 1939 and was a member of the Red Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Red Lake Credit Union. He owned and operated Howey  Bay Restaurant in Red Lake. Continue reading “Jacob H Kehler (1912-1972)”

Herman John Ratzlaff (1904-1971)

Herman John Ratzlaff
Herman John Ratzlaff

Herman John Ratzlaff passed away August 17, 1971. He is survived by his wife, Anna Ethel (Penner) Ratzlaff, two children, Rayfield Glen Ratzlaff  and Marilyn J. Ratzlaff.

Herman married Anne on December 9, 1925 in Herbert, Saskatchewan.  In June of 1930, a son Rayfield Glen Ratzlaff was born, and in 1932 a daughter Marilyn J. Ratzlaff completed their family. Continue reading “Herman John Ratzlaff (1904-1971)”