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Obituary of Harry Kehler
Harry Kehler, aged 70 years old, of Randolph, MB., passed away Monday, March 30, 2020 at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB.
He is survived by Martha, his wife of 51 years, daughter Jackie, sons Dale (husband Viraj), Sheldon (partner Joanne), Ashley, Charles (wife Sabrina) and Parry; along with grandchildren Marin, Malachi, Arianna, Isabella, Ezra and Lillian.
He was predeceased by his parents Abram D. and Susanna Kehler.
Born on April 19, 1949, the oldest of 4 children: Ernie, Hilda Nyquvest and Alec. He spent his early years on the farm with his grandparents where he learned to love farming.
He excelled in school, academically and in sports. He loved the running track meets in school, including high jumping. In his teens, he played in the Randolph hockey league.
In his mid twenties to mid forties, he enjoyed water skiing, cross country skiing and down hill skiing. Mom and him enjoyed hiking and biking together in the many parks they visited.
Dad attended the Randolph Chortiz Church growing up. He was baptized upon the confession of his faith on June 3, 1968. Dad taught Sunday school for several years and was also a song leader. In the mid 80's, our family began to attend the Mitchell CMC church. Dad enjoyed being a member of the congregation. He last attended a service a few weeks ago. He was sad when he was housebound and could no longer attend.
Mom and dad married on July 6, 1968. Mom and dad worked together on the farm throughout all the years. They worked very hard but enjoyed it very much.
During the 70's, they started to travel. Our first trip was to Florida, our next trip Hawaii and then to Mexico. Mom and dad began to travel on their own as us kids got older. They travelled to many tropical destinations. They also enjoyed camping and visiting with all the people they met.
Dad's pride was A & H Dairy Farms which began in the late 60's with his dad and uncle Henry Kehler. At the time, it was one of the newest and largest dairy farms in Manitoba.
In the mid 70's they had silos built. Dad suffered his first major farm accident when he fell down the interior of the silo. He had several back surgeries and suffered quite significant pain all through the years.
A monumental change came in dad's life when his father died suddenly, unexpectedly in May of 1990. A lot of changes occurred following this tragic event.
Charles, my brother along with Sheldon and Parry farmed alongside dad until Charles and Sheldon took ownership. Dad unofficially retired when the disease that took his life, pulmonary fibrosis, made it too difficult to breathe in the barn.
Dad's greatest joy were his grandchildren. His face lit up with joy whenever he talked to them or about them. He spent whatever time he could with them. I think the grandchildren knew that grandpa loved them.
One of the last things that dad said to me was that we were a beautiful family, he was lucky to have us and he was sorry that he had to go.
~ Written by Jackie
A private viewing will be held on Friday, April 3, 2020 at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. If you wish to attend the viewing in person, please contact the family directly.
A private family service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. For all friends and family that wish to participate, a livestream broadcast of the service will be available at the time of service. Livestreaming will not be available after the service is completed.
Close the Gate (For Dad)
By Nancy Kraayenhof
For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head,
Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.
Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended,
Put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have all been mended.
You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the Son,
Hang up your shovel inside of the barn; your work here on earth is done.
A faith few possess led your journey through life, often a jagged and stony way,
The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day.
Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine,
Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by blessed rain one final time.
You always believed that the good Lord would provide and He always had somehow,
Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now.
Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait,
Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.
