Obituary of Annie Kehler

Annie Kehler was peacefully welcomed into the Arms of her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. She passed away at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach, MB, comforted and surrounded by her family at the age of 94.

Annie will be lovingly remembered by her children Amanda (Mick), Gerald (Gundy), Val, daughter-in-law Michele, six grandchildren and their spouses, 18 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband George, her son Randy, grandson Wade, and son-in-law Randall. She is survived by her brothers Ben (Marina), Abe (Marion), sisters Mary and Laura, sisters-in-law Tina (Henry), and Tina (John).

Annie was born June 29, 1929, in Winnipeg, MB, to Abram and Margaret Wiebe, the third of nine children. She grew up on a farm with animals, flower and vegetable gardens. Annie had journalled that one of her favorite times in the summer was to drive the tractor and cultivate the fields with her father. Another childhood highlight was traveling to Winnipeg to shop at Eatons downtown. Annie attended school in Greenland, MB and then later attended the Steinbach Bible Academy.

Teaching at Lister East School was often shared as both a challenge and a memorable experience. It was a one room school with 42 students.

In 1951 Annie married George Kehler. They resided in and around Winnipeg. Having grown up on a farm and living many years in Winnipeg, moving to Murdock Road was an absolute highlight for Annie. They lived many years on Murdock Road where the family has fond memories of Annie's cooking and gardens. Special memories were also formed on family camping trips to Caddy Lake and day trips to the Oasis.  

Family, cooking, sewing and hospitality were important to Annie. She was a detailed and excellent cook who loved to prepare meals for her extended family and friends. She was well known for her canning, baking and frying roll kuchen. In the years after the grandchildren were born George and Annie had a seasonal spot at Lilac Resort where she delighted in riding the water slides and gathering around the fire pit with her family.

Over the years Annie had a dedicated commitment to her church community. In the years that she and George attended Braeside Church she was faithfully involved in many areas including the Cradle Roll, serving in the kitchen, Missions Committee and joyfully sang with the Keenagers choir. After George’s retirement they were able to enjoy traveling and quality time with their children and grandchildren. She diligently expressed her love and prayers to her family through letter writing for many years.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre for their compassionate and considerate care on her final journey. 

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with viewing one hour prior to the service and interment to follow at Prairie Rose EMC Cemetery in Landmark, MB.