Peter D. Kehler

Obituary

Peter D. Kehler, with his wife Bettie by his side, passed away Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, at Rest Haven Care Home, Steinbach, MB.

Peter was born October 29th, 1940, in Santa Clara, Chihuahua, Mexico to his parents Diedrich and Susanna Kehler.

Several of his childhood years were spent in various Mexican villages wherever his dad was employed. Here he became familiar with Mexican culture and became fluent in Spanish.

While living in the Santa Clara area, he also received a few years schooling, primarily in German.

At the age of 19 he gave his life to Jesus and was baptized in late 1959 at the EMC Church in Mexico.

He met Bettie a couple of years later and after a short courtship they were engaged and then married on February 10th, 1963.

The next spring they made the decision to move to Manitoba, Canada, where Peter learned the English language and worked as a laborer, mostly at local farms for several years.

They started a family and had three children, before finally buying their own small hog farm near Blumenort in 1973. Here he also enjoyed raising many different types of animals and birds.

Over the years Peter was involved in various organizations including 4-H, as well as goat and show pigeon clubs.

He loved animals but his passion was people, especially young people. He loved to teach whether it was Sunday school or sharing his knowledge about birds and animals with anyone who showed interest. Gardening was another way he could bless others, with home grown vegetables or a bouquet of flowers.

Later in life his body began to fail, and he developed congestive heart failure. In recent years he also had a major stroke which really slowed him down.

He struggled to do many of the things that gave him purpose and meaning and had to lean on others for help instead. Although he sincerely appreciated the care he received, it was a tough road, and he longed to be free from this world.

On February 4th he finished the race, holding firm to his faith until the end.

Though he will be terribly missed we are thankful that his days of suffering are complete and that he is safe in the arms of Jesus.

He is survived by his wife Bettie as well as his daughter Iris and two sons, Wayne and Darren, and his sister Margaret. He was also a proud grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of five.

Peter was predeceased by his parents as well as six sisters and five brothers.

Many thanks to the staff at Rest Haven Care Home for the amazing care that he received. The family is very thankful for the love and compassion of the staff, and for the dignity with which he was treated.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with viewing one hour prior to the service.