Obituary: Ernest Allen (Ernie) Kehler
July 19, 1943 – December 22, 2024
Ernest Allen (Ernie) Kehler was born on July 19, 1943, to Frank and Henrietta Kehler. He grew up on the family farm in Kronstal, where he attended school and church, fostering a passion for farming from a young age.
In the summer of 1965, Ernie met Helen, and their love story quickly unfolded. They married on September 10, 1966, and began farming together with Helen’s father and brother in the Thames district.
In 1968, Ernie and Helen welcomed their first son, Kevin. Their second son, Ken, was born the following year. In 1980, their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Leala.
A turning point in Ernie’s life came in June 1984, when he committed his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized upon confession of his faith. In 1990, Ernie and Helen moved to Winkler, which became their cherished home for the next 34 years. During this time, Ernie became a successful equipment dealer, working alongside his brother Glen and sons Kevin and Ken.
After Helen’s passing in September 2014, Ernie found companionship and love once again with Dorothea (Dee) Christian. They married on November 17, 2016, bringing joy and renewal to his life.
Ernie passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, surrounded by his beloved family.
Ernie will be deeply missed by his wife Dee; his children, Kevin (Keri), Ken (Vika), and Leala (Marlon); and his eight grandchildren, Jessica (Keith), Ryan (Shayna), Cole, Brookelyn, Nolan, Keira, Deanna, and Olivia, great grandchildren, Max, Georgia, Cade, Scarlett and Cassie. He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings Ruth (Sig), Harv (Jeanne), Glen (Sheila), and Rob (Sherry); sisters-in-law Margo, Verna (Don), Marlene, and Karen; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Ernie was predeceased by his parents, his wife Helen, brothers-in-law Wayne and Larry, sister-in-law Donna and his great-grandson Easton.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mercy Gilbert Hospital, Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler MB Church and everyone who has supported them with prayers, visits, calls, and food during this time of loss.
Ernie’s life was a testament to faith, family, and a legacy of love that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
July 19, 1943 – December 22, 2024
Ernest Allen (Ernie) Kehler was born on July 19, 1943, to Frank and Henrietta Kehler. He grew up on the family farm in Kronstal, where he attended school and church, fostering a passion for farming from a young age.
In the summer of 1965, Ernie met Helen, and their love story quickly unfolded. They married on September 10, 1966, and began farming together with Helen’s father and brother in the Thames district.
In 1968, Ernie and Helen welcomed their first son, Kevin. Their second son, Ken, was born the following year. In 1980, their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Leala.
A turning point in Ernie’s life came in June 1984, when he committed his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized upon confession of his faith. In 1990, Ernie and Helen moved to Winkler, which became their cherished home for the next 34 years. During this time, Ernie became a successful equipment dealer, working alongside his brother Glen and sons Kevin and Ken.
After Helen’s passing in September 2014, Ernie found companionship and love once again with Dorothea (Dee) Christian. They married on November 17, 2016, bringing joy and renewal to his life.
Ernie passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, surrounded by his beloved family.
Ernie will be deeply missed by his wife Dee; his children, Kevin (Keri), Ken (Vika), and Leala (Marlon); and his eight grandchildren, Jessica (Keith), Ryan (Shayna), Cole, Brookelyn, Nolan, Keira, Deanna, and Olivia, great grandchildren, Max, Georgia, Cade, Scarlett and Cassie. He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings Ruth (Sig), Harv (Jeanne), Glen (Sheila), and Rob (Sherry); sisters-in-law Margo, Verna (Don), Marlene, and Karen; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Ernie was predeceased by his parents, his wife Helen, brothers-in-law Wayne and Larry, sister-in-law Donna and his great-grandson Easton.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mercy Gilbert Hospital, Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler MB Church and everyone who has supported them with prayers, visits, calls, and food during this time of loss.
Ernie’s life was a testament to faith, family, and a legacy of love that will continue to inspire all who knew him.