John Kehler
Obituary
John Kehler passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, just one year and three days after his beloved wife, Tina. We will miss him profoundly, but he wanted nothing more than to reunite with her.
They were married for 65 years: they were a beautiful and inspiring couple. They made life better for everyone around them. In addition to Tina, John was predeceased by his brothers: Pete, Abe, Ernie and his sisters Eva and Esther.
He is survived by daughters Grace (Travis) and Denise (Stephane). In addition, he is survived by his sister Helen (Bryan), his sister-in-law Margaret, and his Manitoba family: nephew Del (Sharon) and family, Mandy (Shane), Mia and Jaleel; niece Bev (Dale) and daughter Tess (Liam).
John was born to Abram and Helena Kehler on the 17th of July, 1936. He grew up on their farm and lived there until he was in his early twenties. In his self-deprecating humour, he liked to say that he was a puny kid who was not especially strong. This may or may not be true, but he thrived as an adult. He was vigorous. His brother Abe helped him to get his first job in Winnipeg and John moved in with Abe, Abe’s wife Mary, Mary’s sister Tina, and the sisters’ Mom. Love followed swiftly, as did the wedding. John worked for Macleods and Norgate in Winnipeg, before moving to Randolph where he and Tina, together with his brother Ernie and his wife Margaret, bought the family farm. Farm life was good for John and Tina. In particular, John thrived in making plans to grow and expand the business, taking night classes to enhance his knowledge, particularly in accounting which was his passion. When tragedy struck with Ernie’s death, they moved to Nipawin, SK where John took up the position of business manager for the Nipawin Bible College, working alongside his dear friend Jake Rempel. How he delighted in that role. He found his work home at NBC, where he dived into the thorny issues that come with running a non-profit organization. John had a huge heart and somehow always knew who the lonely students were. He would take them under his care, with coffees, breakfasts or just good chats in his office. His generosity was legendary. John and Tina made tremendous friendships during their 23 years in Nipawin; however, as they looked to retirement, family drew them back to Manitoba.
John and Tina retired to Steinbach, where they relished time with extended family, making new friends and reacquainting with old friends. John also worked voluntarily for MCC as the treasurer for many years and sat on the board of several other organizations. He always put service to others at the foreground of his life.
John was our dearest dad, uncle, relative, friend. He loved big and expressed it well. He spoke with integrity, humour and care; he told interesting stories and loved to laugh; he was, as they say, a “prayer warrior.” How we will miss him.
Schlope Scheijn, Dad. You have earned your rest.
The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with burial prior to the service at 11:00 a.m., at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.
