Neil (Cornelius) Kehler passed away Monday, November 12, 2012 at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach at the age of 83.
Neil is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Agnes. They were married in Randolph on July 31, 1955. Neil is lovingly remembered by his son Tim (Jackie) and daughter Sally (Gilles) and grandchildren Travis, Erin and Dana.
Neil is predeceased by his son Donald, grandson Christopher, brother Jim, brothers-in-law Eddy Thiessen, Harry Friesen, Ken Tompkins, Pete Neufeld and sister-in-law Bertha Rempel.
Neil worked at Hanover Cheese factory for ten years then relocated to Winnipeg where he took a position at Standard Dairies for 12 years. In 1966, Neil and Agnes moved to a farm in the Niverville area where he farmed and began contracting.
Dad valued his family, hard work, laughter and honesty. Dad loved to be surrounded by his family. His children and grandchildren would light up his face to the very end. He was a gentle man of few words, but he had some good one-liners if you knew to pay attention. Dad always worked hard. He was efficient, sometimes running on job sites, to get the job done faster. Running his own crew meant organizing men, keeping them working and working along with customers. His honesty, true character and hard work earned him a good reputation. His days were spent working hard and his evenings were spent with family.
Viewing will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 7:00 pm followed by a service at 7:30 pm. The funeral service will be held at the Niverville CMC Church, 99 First St. S. on Sunday, November 18 at 2:00 pm. Interment to follow at Hespeler Cemetery in Niverville.
My deepest condolences to Agnes and son and daughter and your grandchildren. Your dad and husband will not be suffereing any more and yet you will miss him very much . What an awsome guy he was .