Ernest (Ernie) Stoesz Kehler, 67, passed away at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, BC on Sunday, October 13, 2013, after a battle with cancer.
He is survived by one daughter, one son, three grandchildren, three sisters and two brothers. He was predeceased by his parents David S. and Helen Kehler and five brothers.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 2pm, at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre (Steinbach 55Plus), 10 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach, MB. A private family interment will be held prior to the service at the Steinbach Memorial Cemetery.
View pictures of the Ernest Stoesz Kehler Memorial Service here.
The following tribute was written and read by his niece, Carol (Kehler) Penner, at the memorial service:
Thoughts on my Uncle Ernie
Ernie was my pal on the farm, even though he was my uncle, 2 yrs. older than myself. Ernie, the youngest of a large family, was in a prime position of being the baby, even though Raymond, eldest son of brother Dave & then myself, daughter of his brother Jake, were grandchildren he competed with. We were like the Three Musketeers. Adventures on the Kehler grandparent farm were a positive part of my life. Visits to the farm meant Grandma’s fluffy white buns, lots of butter & cheese, plumamousse, pickles, schinka fleisch & platz, all homemade. Before all that good Mennonite food had barely hit the plate & was gobbled up, Ernie, conjured up another adventure he could enlist either Ray or Carol or both of us into more fun. Visiting Grandma & Grandpa Kehler meant more than a visit with grandparents, it meant some kind of happenings that would be entertaining.
One hot summer day, Ernie thought we should chase cars along the highway just as we witnessed the old farm dog doing. He proceeded to get grandpa’s old bear coat from the cutter, and ordered me to get behind him, flinging the coat over both of us. He then said “Run like a dog, when you see a car, coming.” So as soon as we saw an oncoming car, we hobbled along the ditch, pretending we were chasing cars. When I think back on that experience, I can almost see someone saying as they drove past us, “What was that, and it barked, too?” We were in danger but didn’t know it.
Another vivid memory was one of threshing days. Obviously, when the threshermen came in the farmhouse kitchen for grandma’s Mennonite dinner, the children were not to be underfoot. Children ate later, so the men could get back on the field. Ernie, probably as hungry as any of the crew of threshermen, decided it’s time for hor’dorves. Ernie told Ray & myself to get onto the fenders of the tractor in the machine shed. As we waited, Ernie decided to send a hanging smoked ham our way, which was hanging off a meathook on a wire. He instructed us to take a bite as the ham flew by. The first attempt was a near miss of getting knocked out and falling on the machine , or on the dirt floor. My first instinct was to duck or be killed. Ernie was not happy as he would have to retrieve that ham & give Ray a try at alleviating those hunger pangs. I don’t remember what happened after that, but I probably tried to negotiate with Ernie that it was time to get back to see if the threshermen were finished dinner. It was my way of avoiding those flying hams from coming my way, again. Ernie was full of adventure, knowing all along he could show off, and probably get away with it, as the grandparents were easy going, while my parents, noticed everything. Of course, later in life, I realized my grandparents were aging and tired. My parents were young and had their parenting rules. As a child I thought Ernie got away with way too much, but for me that was, cool at the time.
For many years, while living in Sault Ste. Marie I wondered where my uncle was, until he showed up at my door on a semi trip down the TransCanada Hwy. Living near the highway gave us many unexpected visitors. Through the years, I saw my uncle sporadically here and there, the last time at my father’s funeral.
My childhood uncle grew up and moved away, like so many of us in that age group did. Life has a funny way of changing all of us, but if Ernie could see us now, he would be pleased that we’re here to remember those times with him that meant the most. We are thrilled to meet Ernie’s extended family that some of us have never met and it is our privilege, now.
Remember, if you feel alone, call up a Kehler and you won’t feel lonely for very long.
Carol
Rest In Peace Grandpa.
Our sincere sympathy to Ernie’s family and friends at this very sad time. Ernie was a great guy and lot of fun to hang out with. 67 is far to young to be taken so suddenly. Our thought and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
I am sad to hear of Ernie ‘s untimely passing, although Lee was closer to Ernie’s age we all grew up together, our thoughts and prayers are with your family
Don and family Alaska and Ohio
Dear Cousin Peter ,
It was delightful to meet up with you @ your bro Ron’s memorial. I had not seen you since your childhood. I remember you as ERNIE’S age. I am your sisters Violet’s age.
Thank you to all who posted condolences for our family. In our opinion untimely … We also know God does not make mistakes! He just took Ernie home! We sorrow —but not without hope!
Thank you Peter for the lovely thanksgiving devotional — also timely for us who sorrow .
In His Hope,
Cousin Maria
re: Cousin Ernie:
Our deep condolences to the family of Carrie and Stephen and Ernie’s siblings as well. We are sorry that your Dad was taken so young and had to go through so much in difficult treatments.
We had lots of fun growing up together with all the other “roughneck” cousins around the Steinbach area.
My longest time with Ernie & family was mostly in Calgary, when we got together almost every weekend, and then we worked together for some time in the renovation business. He was a hard worker and always tried to provide a good life for his kids.
Although we drifted apart over the years, we retain some good memories together and long to see him on that last day.
Our Love:
Peter, Judy and kids.