Peter S.T. Kehler passed away peacefully July 24, 2009 at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach at the age of 83 years.
Dad will lovingly be remembered by his wife Eva (Toews) and his children Clifford (Bev), Jerry (Brenda), Peter, Darlene (Bill) Hiebert, Darryl (Jackie), Sherry Pearl (Brad) Kallert, Jeff Funk, 15 grandchildren and their spouses plus two great-grandsons; as well as numerous brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
Dad was predeceased by an infant daughter Pauline, parents David and Helen, brothers Dave (Katie), Jake (Helen), Henry, Edgar and brother-in-law Bill Hildebrandt.
Dad was born Feb. 28, 1926, lived and grew up on a farm in the Morray District. He married our mom on October 6, 1956. Dad had various jobs that included working as a delivery person for Steinbach Creamery, Modern Dairies and Weston Bakeries. The job he loved the very most was when they bought his parents farm in 1963 and started farming. A few years later he started driving school bus and we heard many a story about his adventures. Dad was forced to sell the farm due to illness in 1996. This was very sad for him but he found new things to occupy his time. Dad loved people and the coffee shops became his regular routine and a new job babysitting his younger grandchildren.
Dad loved his grandchildren and developed a special relationship with each one. One of the ways he did this was he allowed them to groom him which also meant giving him haircuts, manicures, pedicures etc. He was also very proud of his two great grandsons Stetson and Ryder.
The last three and half years of his life dad suffered much and the words OH BOY OH BOY were often heard from his lips. During his lengthy illness dad always kept a good attitude and often mentioned how there were other people much sicker than him. He really appreciated how our mother took such good care of him. The family was always amazed at how many visitors dad would get and we would like to say thank you for all those visits.
We will remember Dad for teaching us to work hard, his integrity, hospitality, honesty and a very good sense of humour.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Thiessen and staff at Steinbach Bethesda Hospital for their care and compassion.
Dad we are so thankful that your struggle here on earth is over and that you are now with Jesus where your lungs don’t have to struggle for another breath of air.
Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach, MB on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional at 7:30 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chortizer Mennonite Church, 479 Hanover Street, Steinbach. Interment to follow at Steinbach Heritage Cemetery.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to The Bethesda Foundation – Palliative Care, 316 Henry St., Steinbach, MB R5G 0P9.
Uncle Pete was a load of fun, always able to break the ice in any kind of situation with his quick wit. As a boy in the restaurant, I always tried to overhear the coffee talk at his table as it always the loudest table in the restaurant…for obvious reasons. We miss you already Uncle Pete but are so glad you don’t have to suffer anymore. Breathe easy in heaven as we remember you down here. P.S. Don’t make too much noise…God likes peace and quiet too! -Nephew Chris