Obituary of Abram Loeppky Kehler

Abe Kehler passed away on Thursday, December 30, 2021, just 6 days after his 90^th Birthday.

He is survived by children Del Kehler (Sharon) and Bev Bracken (Dale), grandchildren Mandy Funk (Shane) and Tess Bracken (friend Liam Gravely) and great-grandchildren Jaleel and Mia Funk.  Abe is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law John and Tina Kehler and sisters Eva Doerksen and Helen Howell (Brian), in-laws Max Friesen, Margaret Kehler and Annie Kehler, along with many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his wife of 48 years Mary in 2004, parents Abram and Helena Kehler and grandson Derek Kehler in 2015.  He was also predeceased by brothers Peter Kehler and Ernie Kehler and sister Esther Friesen.

Abe was born on December 24, 1931 on the family farm in Randolph, Manitoba (previously named Chortitz). He always said he was the best Christmas present his Mom ever got.  He worked on the family farm when he was young and drove a milk truck.  He married Mary on October 9, 1955 and they moved to Winnipeg.  In Winnipeg he worked at Macleod’s as a forklift operator and then started working in construction. His construction career covered commercial construction, finish carpentry and cabinet installation. He was always very proud of receiving the ‘Finish Carpenter of the Year’ award while working at WW Construction. While working in construction, Abe also proudly built two of his own homes; one in Winnipeg and one in Kleefeld.  After his construction career, he worked at Providence College in Maintenance and as a Bus Driver until his retirement. He met many lifelong friends at Providence.

Anyone that knew Dad knows that he loved singing, whistling, yodeling, teasing and joking. Whistling, singing and speaking became difficult in the later years but he was able to yodel, joke and tease right to the end. His faith in God was strong through the years and helped him through the last several years in particular.

Growing up Dad was the person we could always count on to pick us up if our car broke down (both Del and Bev had their share of unreliable vehicles). He worked long hours at work and on his houses but always made time for us. Dad taught us the value of faith, hard work, honesty and humor.

Being a Grandpa and Great-Grandpa was a highlight of his life. Derek, Mandy and Tess all loved having Grandpa babysit them when they were young. As Derek and Mandy got older Grandpa was always the first to any of their shows/concerts. Grandpa came to many of Tess’ hockey games. He was the biggest fan for his grandchildren and he was so proud to become a Papa (Great Grandfather). Jaleel and Mia visited Papa often and brightened his days with stories, songs and big hugs (from Mia).

Abe’s family would like to thank the Homecare staff at Greendale Estates, with a special thanks to Pauline. A big thanks to Uncle John and Aunt Tina for the regular visits and love, especially in the last difficult years. And thanks to Pastor John and his wife Ann for the visits and fellowship.

The private family funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., followed by a private family interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greendale Estates,  231 Park St, Grunthal, MB R0A 0R0.