Peacefully on Saturday, March 10, 2001, surrounded by her family, Lillian Kehler passed away at the Bethesda Hospital at the age of 82 years. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Frances (Pete) Peters and Valerie (Bernie) Brodeur; her grandchildren, Scott, Pam and Kristie Peters and Nathan Brodeur, as well as her great-grandson Jordan; sisters, Minnie Saskosky, Elsie (Harry) Schinkel, Marg (Neil) Yaskow, Elma Borkowsky, Lorraine (Jake) Rempel; one brother Adolphe (Norie) Borkowsky, many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Peter and brother Eddie Borkowsky. Lil was born in Bristol area on February 8, 1919 to Frank and Julianna Borkowsky and married Peter H. Kehler on December 28, 1942. The first years of their marriage were spent in Victoria, B.C., while Dad served in the Canadian Army. Many special and lifelong friendships were built during those years. After the war they returned to the Steinbach area. Mom will be remembered for her love of people. She loved social functions, especially if they involved family. Her grandchildren and great-grandson were the centre of her life until she left us. She actively participated in the Ladies Auxiliary of the Legion, St. Paul Lutheran Church and Bethesda Hospital. She loved quilting, gardening, fishing and curling. Her beautiful gladiolas adorned her church, hospital, friends and families homes. The family would like to express a sincere thank you to Dr. Duerksen, the staff at Bethesda Hospital, Home-Care, and her special friends, Frieda and Tena for their care, compassion and support through her illness during the last years. Should friends so desire, donations may be made to the Variety Club of Manitoba or the Bethesda Place Chapel Fund. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, March 14 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Steinbach with Pastor Al Maier officiating. Interment will follow at the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.
My Grandma taught me to speak German. It really came in handy when I was with her and her friends, cause I was able to translate the conversations from German to English at the age of 8.