On Saturday, June 18, 1983 at the Bethesda Hospital, Steinbach, Rev. Heinrich S. Kehler, aged 82 years, beloved husband of Agatha of Mitchell.
Heinrich Schultz Kehler was born to parents, Jacob K and Elisabeth Kehler on December 14, 1900 in Ebenfeld, now Mitchell, district. This was also where he grew up and received his education. After a lengthy illness he passed on to meet his Lord.
In the year 1925, Heinrich Kehler was baptized upon confession of his faith in Jesus Christ, and was received into the fellowship of the Chortitzer Mennonite Church, in which he has been a faithful member until his death.
On July 21, 1927, he joined hands in holy matrimony with his now bereaved widow, Agatha (nee Peters). This union lasted for 55 years, 10 months and 28 days in which they shared the joys and sorrows of life. During their marriage they were blessed with seven children: Three daughters and four sons.
Our father enjoyed fairly good health until 1974 when complications started. During their married life, the lived in the Landmark area where he worked in the cheese factory for a number of years. He also worked as a carpenter for a number of years. In 1945, they moved to the Mitchell district where he was engaged in farming.
Father had a great concern for young people and was one of those who put a lot of effort into starting Sunday School in the Randolph church. In July of 1955, the Lord called him into ministry. He accepted the call and was ordained as a minister of the Gospel in October, in which position he faithfully served his Lord with joy for 20 years. During these years, he served at the pulpit on most Sunday mornings. He officiated at many weddings, funerals and other functions. Rev. Kehler put much effort into establishing the church in Mitchell.
The place he had as husband and father in our home will be empty and greatly missed. We sorrow his passing but not as those who have no hope. We are thankful to God who gave him to us and who has released him from all pain and trials. We, as a family, are looking forward to that glorious day of the resurrection to meet our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to be reunited with our loved ones in the presence of our Savior for all eternity.
Funeral service was held Wednesday, June 22, 2pm from the Chortitzer Mennonite Church in Steinbach with Rev. H.K Schellenberg and Rev. C.G. Peters officiating. Viewing was at the chapel Tuesday, June 21 from 6-8 pm and at the church prior to the service. Interment followed in the Steinbach cemetery.
Besides his wife Agatha, Mr. Kehler leaves to cherish his memory three daughters: Tina & Peter Neufeld, Betty & Ben Friesen, Mary & Roy Broesky; four sons: Neil & Agnes, Jake & Anne, Henry, Peter (Jim) & Carol; 27 grandchildren; 26 great-grand children; one sister Susan Wieler.
He was predeceased by two grandchildren, nine brothers and two sisters.
