Reuben Wellington Kehler (1936-2024)

Sadly we are announcing that on Sunday, September 22, 2024, our father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, Reuben Wellington Kehler, left us to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 88. Dad passed away peacefully with his entire family supporting him as he was waiting to be reunited with his wife Tina, whom he longed for daily.

Reuben leaves to miss him and cherish his memory: his children Cliff (Tammy), Dolores (Mike), Audrey, Blake (Pamela Juneau and son Evan); as well as five grandchildren: Christopher, Courtney, Natasha (Stephen Enns), Nick and Aimy; two great-grandchildren: Cayden & Tianna; sister Joyce Stoesz, brother Peter (Judy), and sisters-in-law: Joan, Kathie, Helga.

He is predeceased by: his loving wife of 64 years, Tina Kehler (Kornelsen), his parents John and Annie Kehler, sisters: Edna, Violet Doerksen (Pete), his brothers: Henry (Helen), Walter, John (Hetty), Glen, Ken (Marge), Ron and bother-in-law Corny Stoesz.

Dad was baptized on June 9th, 1957 by Bishop Peter S. Wiebe.

He was born in Steinbach and moved to Winnipeg when he married his beautiful wife Tina Kornelsen on June 28, 1958.

Dad worked in the slaughter house with his Father at an early age. When there wasn’t enough work, his Dad helped him find a job in the beet fields. He was 15 years old and went with a truckload of others to the beet field. Dad started to clear his row that was designated to him, got part way done, hated it so much he walked the 3-4 miles back to Steinbach and told his father never to help him get another job, he would find his own. He then worked for South East Transfer & Supplies, Mid-West Storage, MacArthur Falls and Nelson River Construction building the #1 Highway from the Ste. Anne turn off to Dufresne, Manitoba. He then settled in and worked for Safeway as a meat cutter/department manager for the next 37 years.

Dad knew how to sharpen a knife with a steel, he had a dance that went along with it and always made it look easy. He often showed us how to trim and debone a cut of beef as well how to peel the skin off pieces of chicken. All the meat prep was his job.

He was wise beyond his schooled education. He acquired a body of knowledge by educating himself. Reading encyclopedias was one of his tools. You could ask him any question at all and he would have the answer for you. Dad found comfort in studying his Bible and the Daily Bread. With this ocean of knowledge and insight came a strong opinion on many subjects. He was good at finances and providing all the family needs. We never wanted for anything.

Dad’s strength was clear at a very young age. Surviving diphtheria at the age of two and rheumatic fever at the age of 10. His will and determination to overcome was clear. Being the shortest of the Kehler boys he had to be a little tough and scrappy. As a young man Dad learned the importance of hard work and he instilled that same work ethic in all of us. He taught us the importance of family and doing what’s right. He knew how to have fun and instigated many a prank on others.

Mom & Dad lived in their house, where they raised four children, on Laurentia Bay for 53 years. All five grandchildren never had to attend daycare as Mom and Dad were there to take care of them, whenever we needed.

Dad loved to plan family vacations. Each summer we would head west to visit his three brothers, sisters-in-law & cousins and then swing down through the States to take in some sights there as well. One consistent routine was “the noisy breakfast”, Dad’s way of getting us all up and out of bed and ready to hit the road. What a great education we all received not even realizing it at the time.

The all-day fishing excursions from Caddy Lake into South Cross Lake, North Cross Lake via the tunnels and then portaging into Sailing Lake, were so much fun. Fish all day, shore lunch and then back home to fillet the fish to see what they had eaten. Cray fish, minnows and frogs were some of the fascinating things we saw. Lighting the campfire for our shore lunch could be very interesting. On more than one occasion it ended in Dad running into the lake to put out the fire that was traveling up his arm. Using an accelerant turned out to be a little tricky. Two favorite fishing songs he would sing: “I know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” & “Fishy Fishy in the Brook” Dad never let us leave our shore lunch spot without everyone taking a look around, making sure we didn’t leave any garbage behind.

Dad played the organ by ear. He also had a jig when he played a tune and sang with the two teaspoons. He was always joking around and acting silly.

In Dad’s retirement they enjoyed traveling all the way east to Halifax and north to Alaska. Dad volunteered at MCC picking up furniture and doing deliveries. He spearheaded church banquets, Christmas gatherings at home and organizing the larger Kehler and Kornelsen gatherings. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He enjoyed card games and playing cribbage with family. He also had lots of time for the grandchildren whom he adored immensely. Often Christopher, Courtney and Natasha would join them at Toniata, fishing, beaching, spearfishing and participating in Toniata days at the end of the season.

If there were wishbones piling up at home we knew he was waiting on Natasha’s visit. 10 years later with Nick and Amiy he attended every soccer and ringette game he could. Dad loved cheering them both on. He and Mom would head out to Black Lake to do fishing and camping. At age 70 he even went knee boarding. Doing that at his age was setting the bar very high for the rest of us.

They moved into their apartment 5 1/2 years ago. Each evening they prayed, giving a blessing for each one of us by name. Mornings, before getting out of bed, they took some time to cuddle.

Dad was into making soups. If he knew you liked a specific kind he would find the perfect recipe. When he made Pasta Fajoli he would make a double batch, approx. 24 large jars, so he had lots to share with everyone. We all looked forward to getting our portion or a little more…

Dad we will miss your joking around and your infectious smile. Your wisdom, your help whenever we would call for anything at all. It is heartwarming to know your loneliness and longing for Mom have now passed. The hole in our hearts is immense.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with viewing one hour prior to the service.

The interment will take place at Glen Lawn Cemetery, Winnipeg, MB., following the fellowship luncheon.