Jim Kehler
December 13, 1963 - March 10, 2025
On the morning of March 10, 2025, surrounded by his wife Laurie, daughter Natasha, granddaughter Aurora and his siblings, Jim (James) Kehler went home to his Lord and Saviour.
Jim was born to Jacob and Sara (nee Martens) Kehler on December 13, 1963 in the Altona Hospital. Jim was the eighth of twelve children born to Jacob and Sara. Jim went to Krohnstal elementary school from Grade One to Grade Eight and WC Miller for his high school years. He was baptized upon confession of his faith at the Altona Sommerfeld Mennonite Church.
After finishing high school, Jim went to work in Winnipeg for a stucco application company. During his time there Jim had a bad accident where he fell from some scaffolding. The back injury that he obtained plagued him for the rest of his life, but it never effected his drive and determination to work and lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. Other notable places where Jim worked were Triple E, Heritage Foundries (Integra), a sewing factory (Yes! He could sew!) and lastly Berdick where he remained for 35 years.
Jim married Laurie Klassen, the love of his life, on February 14, 1988. Jim met Laurie through his sister Irma who was working in the mall at the same as Laurie. Laurie happened to mention to Irma that her brother looked kinda cute! Irma must have mentioned it to Jim and it didn’t take long until he asked her out. He picked her up for their double date to the Morris Stampede in his 1985 Camaro. They were engaged Easter weekend of 1987.
After many years of trying to start a family of their own, Jim and Laurie decided to go the route of adoption. On March 3, 1997 their prayers were answered with the adoption their daughter Natasha Dawn, who was six years old at the time. Jim and Natasha spent a lot hours together going to the farm and spending time on the tractor. She was his sidekick.
On December 16, 2014 Jim and Laurie were blessed with birth of their granddaughter Aurora Jayden. With the adoption of Natasha at six years of age, they never got to experience the baby stage. Because Natasha was living with them at the time of Aurora’s birth, they got to experience all the stages from newborn to now a pre tween.
Jim fought cancer on and off for approximately 30 years, but it never affected his attitude. He remained positive and ready to fight with another round of treatment throughout that entire time. He was also determined to never let his condition affect his attendance at work, which remained the case until this last cancer journey, where his strength simply didn’t allow him to continue.
Jim’s interests included collecting farm toy tractors, mowing at the home place and the Kronsthal Cemetery, rides in the country and helping out on the farm by driving the grain cart. He also loved listening to the Blue Jays game while cultivating. Jim was also a lover of food! One of his favourite dishes was Porcupine Meatballs.
Jim is survived by his wife Laurie, his daughter Natasha, granddaughter Aurora, mother-in-law Anita Klassen, brothers Bernie (Bev) Kehler, Gerry Kehler, sisters Linda Kehler, Betty (Rod) Sawatzky, Irma (Jim) Fehr, sister-in-law’s Annamarie Kehler, Leah (Alvin) Elias, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, 2 brothers and 4 sisters.
The family would like to thank Dr. Woelk for his 30 years of care and the rest of the Cancer Care team. Dr. Gacutan for his compassionate care of Jim in his final hours, and the Palliative Care team. They would also like to thank Wiebe Funeral Homes and Pastors James Peters and John Wiebe for their care in this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help the family with funeral expenses.
December 13, 1963 - March 10, 2025
On the morning of March 10, 2025, surrounded by his wife Laurie, daughter Natasha, granddaughter Aurora and his siblings, Jim (James) Kehler went home to his Lord and Saviour.
Jim was born to Jacob and Sara (nee Martens) Kehler on December 13, 1963 in the Altona Hospital. Jim was the eighth of twelve children born to Jacob and Sara. Jim went to Krohnstal elementary school from Grade One to Grade Eight and WC Miller for his high school years. He was baptized upon confession of his faith at the Altona Sommerfeld Mennonite Church.
After finishing high school, Jim went to work in Winnipeg for a stucco application company. During his time there Jim had a bad accident where he fell from some scaffolding. The back injury that he obtained plagued him for the rest of his life, but it never effected his drive and determination to work and lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. Other notable places where Jim worked were Triple E, Heritage Foundries (Integra), a sewing factory (Yes! He could sew!) and lastly Berdick where he remained for 35 years.
Jim married Laurie Klassen, the love of his life, on February 14, 1988. Jim met Laurie through his sister Irma who was working in the mall at the same as Laurie. Laurie happened to mention to Irma that her brother looked kinda cute! Irma must have mentioned it to Jim and it didn’t take long until he asked her out. He picked her up for their double date to the Morris Stampede in his 1985 Camaro. They were engaged Easter weekend of 1987.
After many years of trying to start a family of their own, Jim and Laurie decided to go the route of adoption. On March 3, 1997 their prayers were answered with the adoption their daughter Natasha Dawn, who was six years old at the time. Jim and Natasha spent a lot hours together going to the farm and spending time on the tractor. She was his sidekick.
On December 16, 2014 Jim and Laurie were blessed with birth of their granddaughter Aurora Jayden. With the adoption of Natasha at six years of age, they never got to experience the baby stage. Because Natasha was living with them at the time of Aurora’s birth, they got to experience all the stages from newborn to now a pre tween.
Jim fought cancer on and off for approximately 30 years, but it never affected his attitude. He remained positive and ready to fight with another round of treatment throughout that entire time. He was also determined to never let his condition affect his attendance at work, which remained the case until this last cancer journey, where his strength simply didn’t allow him to continue.
Jim’s interests included collecting farm toy tractors, mowing at the home place and the Kronsthal Cemetery, rides in the country and helping out on the farm by driving the grain cart. He also loved listening to the Blue Jays game while cultivating. Jim was also a lover of food! One of his favourite dishes was Porcupine Meatballs.
Jim is survived by his wife Laurie, his daughter Natasha, granddaughter Aurora, mother-in-law Anita Klassen, brothers Bernie (Bev) Kehler, Gerry Kehler, sisters Linda Kehler, Betty (Rod) Sawatzky, Irma (Jim) Fehr, sister-in-law’s Annamarie Kehler, Leah (Alvin) Elias, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, 2 brothers and 4 sisters.
The family would like to thank Dr. Woelk for his 30 years of care and the rest of the Cancer Care team. Dr. Gacutan for his compassionate care of Jim in his final hours, and the Palliative Care team. They would also like to thank Wiebe Funeral Homes and Pastors James Peters and John Wiebe for their care in this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help the family with funeral expenses.