Kehler, Jacob Howard (1909-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Dec 21 p. 22

Birth date: 1909 Aug 1

text of obituary:

JACOB HOWARD KEHLER

Jacob Howard Kehler passed away Nov. 11 after a short illness. He was born in 1909 to John and Helena Kehler in Altona, Man. He married Marie Toews in 1939. They were ordained to the ministry in the 1940s, pastored in 4 churches: Lindal, Man., Kelstern, Sask., Foam Lake, Sask. and Hague, Sask. The Lindal church was the first mission church of the Manitoba Conference and had services in English. Two of the Saskatchewan churches he pastored had just moved from rural locations to town; one made the transition to the English while he was there. In Hague, he preached in English, German and Low German. He farmed and worked in construction between churches. During these years, he spent many evenings and weekends leading home Bible studies and preaching. The most enjoyable part of his life he said was "leading souls to the Lord". Marie passed away after 53 years of marriage. In 1996 he married Erna Petkau of Winnipeg. He is remembered as a quiet, gentle, loving man of integrity who strove to be true to his principles. Predeceased by Marie and 9 siblings, he is mourned by his second wife Erna; children Roseanne Andres of Regina, David of Calgary, Ken of Warman, Sask. and Garry of Edmonton; 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and 5 siblings.