Henry B. Kehler

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HENRY B. KEHLER
May 20, 1927 - January 22, 2015

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Henry B. Kehler, on Thursday, January 22nd, 2015 at the age of 87 years.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mathilda (Hiebert) of 59 years; his children: Iris Toews (Ryan), Deby, Wendi Friesen (Paul), Jim (Marge Thiessen) and Nancy Neufeld (Warren); four grandchildren: Carter Friesen, Mitchell Friesen, Andrew Neufeld and Emily Neufeld.

Henry Kehler was born on May 20, 1927 to Peter S. and Katharina (Blatz) Kehler, at their home in Blumengard (R.M. of Hanover). He was the third of eleven children: Andy (deceased), Mary & Aaron Isaac (deceased), Helen Unger (Leonard - deceased), Nettie Peters (Cornie-deceased), Peter (Helen), William (Tina), Eva & Jake Schellenberg (deceased), Anne Doerksen (Jake), Tina Bergen (Bill), Frieda Neufeld (Ed).

Henry married Mathilda Hiebert in October, 1955. The family enjoyed annual camping trips to B.C., Northern Manitoba and Ontario. Later Henry and Mathilda enjoyed trips to eastern and western Canada, many U.S. states including Hawaii, and Europe, as well as an MDS-related trip to Florida.

In 1955, he started driving for Penner’s Transfer (now Penner International). His many years of trucking brought him across Canada. He was honored to receive the “Canadian Driver of the Year” award in 1984. He retired from Penner’s in 1991 after 36 years of service. During his retirement years, he found great joy in volunteering at the MCC Thrift Store, and was very committed to his duties there for over twenty years. He enjoyed the variety of work and the group of volunteers.

Henry was a baptized member of the Chortitzer Mennonite Church. His church and his church family were very important to him. He loved good congregational singing!

Henry and Mathilda lived their entire married life in Steinbach, and enjoyed being part of the community. For many years they were Steinbach Arts Council season ticket holders and attended all these events. They seldom missed a choir concert, Vespers service, reunion event or anniversary celebration. Henry loved being with people and visiting and welcomed any opportunity to spend time with family and friends. He looked forward to any family event, birthdays or gatherings, especially when all the grandchildren would be present. His daily highlight was having morning coffee with his A&W coffee friends.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, January 26th, 2015 at 2:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 W., Steinbach, with burial at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bethesda Regional Health Centre for the wonderful care they provided to Henry.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Henry B. Kehler may be made to The Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermot Ave, Wpg., R3A 1P6 (www.mb.lung.ca) or MCC of Manitoba, 134 Plaza Dr., Wpg., R3T 5K9.

Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Jan 25, 2015