With both joy and sorrow, our family celebrates Dad’s answered prayer of being called home for Christmas. Stanley Kehler passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of December 25, 2024, at the age of 86.
Stan is survived by his second wife, Martha. He leaves behind four children: daughter Laura Plett and her children Jeremy, Kara & Sidney Wiebe; daughter Valerie & Mark Reimer, with their children Jonah, Jerica & Joseph Nickel; son Brad & Pam, with their children Graeme and Peyton; son Chadwin & Nevada, with daughters Jade and Rynn. He also leaves one great-grandson, Jude Wiebe.
Stan is further survived by his brother, Ben, and his wife Martha Kehler. He was predeceased by his first wife of 56 years, Mary (Toews) Kehler, on June 19, 2018, and by his son-in-law, Ken Plett on June 8, 2024.
Stan was born on April 11, 1938, in Steinbach, to David S. and Helena Kehler. He began his career as a Red Seal mechanic, working for his brother Jake at Jake’s Husky. Stan’s early adult years were spent in the car industry at Penner Dodge and Brookdale Pontiac. His most passionate career, however, was with the Hanover School Division, where he worked for 33 years in Transportation as a Shop Foreman, Supervisor, and later as a Bus Driver until the age of 75.
In addition to his career, Stan was called to plant a church in Mitchell (Mitchell CMC), where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon, and eventually Pastor. His final ministry led him to pastor the residents at Paradise Village, together with Mary, where they made many meaningful connections. Stan’s unwavering faith was evident to his family, community, and church. He was baptized upon the confession of his faith in Jesus Christ on May 28, 1961.
Stan and Mary spent nearly all their married life in Mitchell, where they raised their four children.
After Mary’s passing, Stan felt lonely and lost. He found companionship in Martha, and they were married in August of 2019. Stan’s health began to decline shortly thereafter, and he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. In May of 2022, he moved into The Cottages and was lovingly cared for by the wonderful staff of Silver Lining Care. The family will always be grateful for the care he received during his final days.
A Come & Go Viewing will be held from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Crossings Funeral Care, 12E-40 North Gate Drive, Steinbach, MB.
The Celebration of Life Service will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Bothwell Christian Fellowship, 20 Sara Ave, New Bothwell, MB, with a viewing one hour prior to the service. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available via live stream. A lunch reception to follow. Interment will take place in the Silberfeld Cemetery.
My condolences. My uncle Stan was a compassionate man. He is now in heaven with his loved ones.
No matter how long the years, they are never enough. Our condolences