CMC Heritage Project at Randolph, MB

In the 1870’s Mennonites, known as Die Mennonitische Gemeinde zu Chortitz, came to Canada from Russia and landed at the junction of the Red and Rat Rivers (near present day Ste. Agathe). From there, they journeyed east and built their first church at Chortitz (present day Randolph) and established a cemetery where today, over 400 people are buried.

In the 1870’s Mennonites, known as Die Mennonitische Gemeinde zu Chortitz, came to Canada from Russia and landed at the junction of the Red and Rat Rivers (near present day Ste. Agathe).  From there, they journeyed east and built their first church at Chortitz (present day Randolph) and established a cemetery where today, over 400 people are buried.

Interest has been expressed in restoring the cemetery and preserving it as a heritage site.  In the same way as the Israelites took stones from the riverbed to recall the crossing of the Jordan into the promised land for future generations, this cemetery is a reminder to many of their spiritual heritage.  In October 2009, the CMC Ministerial approved its designation as a Heritage Cemetery. Continue reading “CMC Heritage Project at Randolph, MB”

Isaac B. Giesbrecht (1926-2010)

Isaac B. Giesbrect
Isaac B. Giesbrect

After a period of failing health, our dear husband, father and grandfather, Isaac Giesbrecht passed away peacefully at the age of 84 years at the Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg.

Isaac will be sadly missed by his wife of 60 years Maria, his sons Douglas, George (Valerie) and Gregory (Sandra), daughter Rhonda (Neil), Darcy Douglas and his grandchildren, Jonathan, Mercedes and Geoffrey, family friends Kim and Roli Brakop and Rebecca Hunt, Continue reading “Isaac B. Giesbrecht (1926-2010)”

A Salute to Grandma

A Tribute to Louise Olson, born Louise Vera Gladys Reimer, a Berliner Kehler

Too often we let our lives go by without making proper homage to the ones we love.

Louise (Reimer) Olson
Louise (Reimer) Olson

A Tribute to Louise Olson, born Louise Vera Gladys Reimer, a Berliner Kehler

Too often we let our lives go by without making proper homage to the ones we love. I am taking this opportunity to share some memories and impressions of a very dear and special person to me – my grandma. Many times I have thanked God for giving me such a remarkable grandmother: she has taught me much, given me much.

My earliest memories of Grandmother begin when I was a young child growing up in southern Manitoba. Grandma and my family both lived on Boyne Street in Morris; being only a short distance away meant that we saw her quite often, sometimes more than once a day. There were also many days and nights when she hosted us youngsters. Continue reading “A Salute to Grandma”

Ebenfeld, Manitoba

As the fourth, fifth and sixth generations of Berliner Kehlers are making their debut on this earth, there is the challenge of raising these kids to not only respect and honor Berliner Kehler and the early pioneers, but to also educate them. To help them understand where they came from, and to give them a glimpse of the challenges and hardships Berliner Kehler and his family faced. Today, we have incredible hindsight.   To quote Al Reimer – “Hindsight is never blindsight”. Continue reading “Ebenfeld, Manitoba”

Hello, Mr. Keller . . .

Brad Kehler
Brad Kehler

It is dinner time at the Kehler residence, and the conversation around the table is in full swing. Exciting news of the day is shared by all. At times it sounds more like a chicken barn, as it seems everyone is talking at the same time.

Suddenly the phone rings and the conversations come to a complete halt as the one who is nearest the phone answers promptly. Who can it be, the others sit in wonder?

Continue reading “Hello, Mr. Keller . . .”

Easter at the Home of Johann S. and Annie

With spring starting to make its debut here in Calgary, having already enjoyed some double digit temperatures, we look forward to celebrating Easter with the family.

Peter A Kehler

With spring starting to make its debut here in Calgary, having already enjoyed some double digit temperatures, we look forward to celebrating Easter with the family.

Thinking back to some former years, Easter was something I really looked forward to as a youngster in the “1950’s”.  My job was to boil a bunch of eggs and then paint them by dipping them into various batches of food coloring in bowls.  After that we would get some “transfer tattoos” of various types of symbols to decorate them with. Continue reading “Easter at the Home of Johann S. and Annie”

John Jacob Kehler (1929-2010)

John J Kehler
John Jacob Kehler

John Jacob Kehler, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2010, in Surrey, BC.  Born in Glen Ewen, Saskatchewan on June 3, 1929. Predeceased by his loving wife Henritte L R Kehler on March 15, 2006. Dad passed away peacefully in his sleep, soulfully wishing to be reunited with his wife Hetty whom he missed dearly. Dad was a loving, devoted father, who worked hard to support his large family of four children throughout his younger years. He was also a caring grandfather, his greatest joy being family. Continue reading “John Jacob Kehler (1929-2010)”

Edgar’s Diner

Who doesn’t have a memory from the famous Edgar’s Diner?  Today, on the 4th anniversary of his passing, we honour Edgar Stoesz Kehler, whose Berliner personality ignited conversation and laughter, and who loved to serve up a bowl of Borscht, a Husky Burger or a tasty veal cutlet.

Helen & Edgar Kehler
Helen & Edgar Kehler

 

Read a previous entry about Edgar’s Diner in Voices of the Prairies, a Condensed Excerpt – Reader’s Digest, 1992 >>