Memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Winkler Emmanuel Mennonite Church (Masks will be mandatory) with private interment prior to the service at the Winkler Cemetery. Viewing will be from 1PM-8PM on Wednesday at Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler. Donations may be made in John's memory to Mennonite Economic Development Associates (M.E.D.A.)
It is with mixed blessings of sorrow and gratitude that we announce the passing of John W Kuhl, beloved father, grandfather, opa, brother, uncle and friend to many.
John was born on March 28, 1928, to Henry and Maria Kuhl. He was the youngest son in a family of seven children. John attended a private school in Gretna, Manitoba for the majority of his high school years, but for his grade 12 year he attended in Winkler, Manitoba. This is where he met the love of his life, Lillian Faith Kuhl (Warkentin). Following high school Lillian moved to Winnipeg to attend nursing school. When she completed this program of study, John and Lillian were married on September 17, 1949. Together John and Lillian raised six children: two boys and four girls. John was devoted to his family and encouraged all of his children to pursue post secondary education. His love of music progressed through the years from reel-to-reel tapes, turn table, CD player, to the most recent commonly heard hymns on YouTube played from his iPad. As a family we spent many Sunday afternoons gathered in the living room playing hymns and John and Lillian’s favourite folk songs. The ensemble included two violins, cello, piano, clarinet, oboe and John with his accordion. Most Saturdays were busy with a trip to Winnipeg to juggle music lessons and rehearsals for children who were members of the Winnipeg Youth Orchestra.
John’s father, Henry was a farmer in the Gnadenthal area. After high school and a year away at University, John decided to join his father on the farm. After only a few years of working together, in 1950, John and his wife Lillian purchased the farm. This property that he was raised on, continues to be the main yard for current farm operations. John’s love of the land was evident in the decisions that he made as a farmer. He quickly recognized that the care of animals was not his first love and moved the farm from a mixed farming operation to crops only. In the early years, he grew grains, corn and sugar beets. In 1960, John joined forces with his brother, Henry and brother-in-law, Dave Bueckert to form Southern Manitoba Potato Co. Together they became one of the largest producers of table and chipping potatoes in the province. John shared his love of the land with his son, Keith, who currently continues to operate the farm with his two sons, Marlon and Jeremy. John spent many years working with industry and church organizations including, Peak of the Market, Canadian Horticultural Council, Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church to list a few. John was currently a member at Covenant Mennonite Church Winkler and as one of the oldest members, he was loved by all.
During the past five months while he was palliative, John was cared for by an amazing group of care givers. The family would like to thank all those who spent time with and cared for John. Special thanks to his granddaughter, Leala Kuhl who organized the team of care givers.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, son, Douglas, daughter, Juliana and grandsons, Chad and Tyler. He loved to spend time with family and is lovingly remembered by his four remaining children, their spouses, 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He is survived by his youngest sister, Evelyn Dyck.
A Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Emmanuel Mennonite Church with interment prior at the Winkler Cemetery. If friends so desire, the family invites donations to MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates)
It is with mixed blessings of sorrow and gratitude that we announce the passing of John W Kuhl, beloved father, grandfather, opa, brother, uncle and friend to many.
John was born on March 28, 1928, to Henry and Maria Kuhl. He was the youngest son in a family of seven children. John attended a private school in Gretna, Manitoba for the majority of his high school years, but for his grade 12 year he attended in Winkler, Manitoba. This is where he met the love of his life, Lillian Faith Kuhl (Warkentin). Following high school Lillian moved to Winnipeg to attend nursing school. When she completed this program of study, John and Lillian were married on September 17, 1949. Together John and Lillian raised six children: two boys and four girls. John was devoted to his family and encouraged all of his children to pursue post secondary education. His love of music progressed through the years from reel-to-reel tapes, turn table, CD player, to the most recent commonly heard hymns on YouTube played from his iPad. As a family we spent many Sunday afternoons gathered in the living room playing hymns and John and Lillian’s favourite folk songs. The ensemble included two violins, cello, piano, clarinet, oboe and John with his accordion. Most Saturdays were busy with a trip to Winnipeg to juggle music lessons and rehearsals for children who were members of the Winnipeg Youth Orchestra.
John’s father, Henry was a farmer in the Gnadenthal area. After high school and a year away at University, John decided to join his father on the farm. After only a few years of working together, in 1950, John and his wife Lillian purchased the farm. This property that he was raised on, continues to be the main yard for current farm operations. John’s love of the land was evident in the decisions that he made as a farmer. He quickly recognized that the care of animals was not his first love and moved the farm from a mixed farming operation to crops only. In the early years, he grew grains, corn and sugar beets. In 1960, John joined forces with his brother, Henry and brother-in-law, Dave Bueckert to form Southern Manitoba Potato Co. Together they became one of the largest producers of table and chipping potatoes in the province. John shared his love of the land with his son, Keith, who currently continues to operate the farm with his two sons, Marlon and Jeremy. John spent many years working with industry and church organizations including, Peak of the Market, Canadian Horticultural Council, Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church to list a few. John was currently a member at Covenant Mennonite Church Winkler and as one of the oldest members, he was loved by all.
During the past five months while he was palliative, John was cared for by an amazing group of care givers. The family would like to thank all those who spent time with and cared for John. Special thanks to his granddaughter, Leala Kuhl who organized the team of care givers.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, son, Douglas, daughter, Juliana and grandsons, Chad and Tyler. He loved to spend time with family and is lovingly remembered by his four remaining children, their spouses, 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He is survived by his youngest sister, Evelyn Dyck.
A Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Emmanuel Mennonite Church with interment prior at the Winkler Cemetery. If friends so desire, the family invites donations to MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates)