Susie Reimer (Kehler, née Giesbrecht) passed away peacefully at the Vernon Restholm, December 14th, 2021. Sue was born on February 21, 1931 in Steinbach, Manitoba. She spent much of her life across the continent, living in Manitoba, Alberta, Minnesota, and British Columbia.
She was a supportive sister to Bill Giesbrecht, Johnny Giesbrecht, Ann Krahn, Kay Bell (predeceased), and Mary Giesbrecht (predeceased); wife and partner to Henry Kehler (married 1950, predeceased), and Cornie Reimer (married 2006, predeceased); loving mother to Robert (Geanne), Larry (Cheryl), Elaine, and Russell (predeceased); kind step-mother to Lorna (Marty) Dickau, Trish (Barry) Dyck, Don (Jaclyn) Reimer, and Jim (Corine) Reimer; doting grandmother to Marcus, Angela, Rebecca, Nathaniel, and Jonathan; and, a pampering great grandmother of many step-grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Sue was many things to many people, but several things remain constant in our recollections of her. She will be remembered for her spontaneous love of others, and her ability to find joy, beauty, and laughter in all circumstances. She was a constant fixture volunteering for organizations that assisted those without homes, anyone struggling with physical and mental illness, and any person who could benefit from her presence. She gave freely and selflessly, always seeking the improvement of those around her. This generosity applied to helping others see the wonders of the world around them through her own skill as an artist: through her keen eyes we saw the painterly strokes of the sunset; the melodies of both the radio and nature; and, the restoring calm of time spent together. Time with Sue was often time spent laughing, and she never met a situation so serious or a moment so portentous that a good laugh couldn’t absolve it of its weight.
Married to Henry Kehler for many years, she remained his loving wife from 1950 until his passing in 2001. Together they travelled to Jamaica and Paraguay, across the Canadian prairies, the U.S., and raised a family of unique and hardworking children who still cannot contain their love of a good practical joke.
Upon meeting a ‘Mennonite poet,’ she was married to Cornie Reimer in 2006, until his passing in 2013. Ever the gentleman, Cornie brought great comfort and laughter to Sue, and together they traveled Canada in a camper van, and brought together two distinct families. Sue was embraced by her extended family, and could often be found at holiday dinners, birthday celebrations for the siblings and grandkids, and most Sunday afternoons with Lorna and Marty.
As a grandmother, she never missed the opportunity to spread happiness to her grandchildren and great grandchildren through treats, stories, and jokes, and always had time to play with the children in her life. She took immense joy in every grandchild and great grandchild, and never hesitated to reflect that joy back to her grandchildren in the ways they would best receive it. She taught skills, played pretend, and passed on recipes that were always in need of grandma’s secret ingredient (usually more butter or sugar).
Sue loved Dr Pepper, borscht, and homemade sweets, and never hesitated to share her baking with neighbors and friends. Her sweet tooth lives on in most of her family, much to the chagrin of their doctors and delight of their dentists.
Sue embodied the attitudes that we all aspire to, and will be dearly missed. She is an inspiration to us all. A celebration of life will be held in the spring or summer, as COVID permits.
Donations may be made to the Upper Room Mission in lieu of flowers.
Written by Jonathan Kehler.
