Obituary of John (Johnny) Fehr

Softly and tenderly, Jesus called Johnny home on Thursday, July 11, 2024, with his family by his side.

Johnny is survived by his loving family: sisters, Helen Kehler & family, Mary & John Stahn & family, Katherine Fehr, Hilda Chambers, Jacky Cardot & family, one brother Neil & MaryAnn Fehr & family, one brother-in-law Grenville & Marissa Mowat & family, one sister-in-law Anne Marie & Gary Reimer & family.

He was predeceased by his wife, Heather, his parents Cornelius & Anne Fehr; his parents-in-law Ken & Isabel Mowat; brothers-in-law George Kehler, Brian Chambers, & Adrian Mowat.

Johnny was born on September 21, 1959, the fourth child of six to Cornelius & Anne Fehr. He spent his childhood in Mitchell. Johnny’s love for machinery led him to work at a young age with his dad for Borger Bros in Winnipeg. This led to being an equipment operator at Diamond Redi-Mix. Later, he drove long distance for Penner International for many years.

Johnny met and fell in love with his Irish gal, Heather. They were married on September 27, 1980. One of Johnny’s fondest memories was their trip to Ireland to meet her extended family. Johnny & Heather enjoyed driving truck together.

After Johnny suffered several strokes and Heather‘s early on set of Alzheimer’s, they retired to Steinbach. When Heather was moved to Bethesda Place, he faithfully spent the last years diligently helping with her care. “Uncle Johnny showed us love in action.” After Heather’s passing on February 26, 2024, life changed abruptly. Johnny was diagnosed with cancer. Never wavering in his faith, he accepted his journey with grace. “God’s got me.” 

Johnny, enjoyed people! He was a great listener and encourager. He loved his family and friends, and we loved him. With his engaging personality, positive attitude and with that twinkle in his eyes, laughter, and stories flowed. Johnny enjoyed camping with the family at Falcon Lake. Driving his boat and hauling the nieces and nephews around the lake. Late night treks to watch the bears at the dump. It was enjoyable when he dressed up as Santa Claus at Christmas. He engaged in many activities:  riding his scooter, hunting, butchering, quadding, monster truck shows, snowmobiling, taking care of his farm animals, gardening, supplying rhubarb to MJ‘s for many years. Later, his garden beds became a stopping place for fresh vegetables. Many lives were touched by his generosity.

Johnny had a great desire to be baptized. We were blessed as a family and friends to be able to share this with him during his last week of life. One of his favourite verses “Jesus said “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Thank you to the staff at Bethesda, Rehab, Palliative Care, CancerCare, Home Care, family, and friends for their visits, prayers and support during this journey 

Cremation has taken place.

The memorial service of remembrance for Johnny and Heather will be held on Sunday, July 28th, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with interment at Mitchell Memorial Gardens, Mitchell, MB., at a later date. To join the family via livestream, click HERE prior to the service.

Donations in memory of Johnny may be made to Alzheimer Society or CancerCare.