Peter Kehler
Obituary
Peter Kehler was born May 27, 1930, and passed away October 7, 2017.
Born in Steinbach, Peter grew up in Randolph, Manitoba (Chortitz) and for many years owned and operated a small trucking business, sometimes subcontracting with the CN Railway and various other companies in Winnipeg. Anne Giesbrecht and Pete met at one of her nieces’ showers, and following a series of dates, discovered they “were meant for each other”. They married in 1975 at the Steinbach EMB Church (Cornerstone Bible Church) where they still were members, though could not be as involved as they wanted to be during the last years of Pete’s declining health. They enjoyed their years together in shared activities, having many winter holidays in warmer climes, as well as road trips in Canada and the USA visiting relatives or sharing vacation times with friends.
Though Pete and Anne did not have their own children, they “adopted” many of us nieces and nephews and our children as well. Pete was a most supportive uncle, showing love and concern, and enjoyed hearing about our successes and activities. Even while experiencing his own health challenges and not very talkative on some days during these last months, we would never leave his room without a blessing on us and our families and wishing us safe travels.
Pete was a gentle, caring man with a deep sense of his spirituality which you could really sense when he prayed out loud. He also had a keen sense of subtle humour; when that twinkle in his eye appeared, you knew to pay attention!
Peter was not a man of many words-unlike many of the Kehler clan! So, if you did not know him well, you may not have known about his enjoyment of music of all kinds and genres, but especially classical music. In earlier years, he played the violin and Hawaiian guitar, mostly for his own enjoyment. Until a few years ago, he loved being active on the internet, discovering and researching topics enjoyable to himself, which made for interesting conversations on a wide array of his interests – whether wildlife documentaries, history, geography or, of course, often music! He even Facebooked, making it convenient for many of us to “keep in touch”.
Peter was a favourite patient, at the Rehab Centre, Bethesda Hospital and since July, at Bethesda Place. Care givers during the past year often commented on his pleasant disposition, and humour, despite the challenges and discomfort that he experienced during his ill health. He always expressed his gratefulness to them, and especially to his dedicated and loving wife who (to quote Pete) “took such good care of him”.
And he was a wonderfully loving, appreciative and supportive husband to Anne. Quoting niece and nephew, Ken and Lily Anne Giesbrecht: Anne and Pete were a perfect couple. Their love for each other was beautiful to see.
He is predeceased by his parents, Abraham and Helen Kehler, sister, Esther (Friesen), and brother Ernie.
Surviving are: his wife of 42 years, Anne; two brothers and their families: John (Tina); Abe, two sisters: Eva (Doerksen); Helen Howell (Bryan); especially close family members: brother-in-law, Garnet Reimer; nephew and niece, Mike and Ruby Kehler; two nieces: Iris Kornelsen and Judy Kehler Siebert.
Anne and her nieces wish to particularly thank the compassionate caregivers at Bethesda Hospital and Rehab Centre, and Bethesda Place. They thank Pastor Eric Honsberger for his visits and for presiding at the funeral service.
Anne is also extremely grateful to Iris and Judy for their attentive devotion in helping her care for Pete, especially during the past year.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with interment at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB. Viewing will be at the chapel prior to the service.
If friends so desire, donations in memory of Peter may be made to the Bethesda Foundation.
