Tina Kehler was born to Katherine and Frank on May 26, 1937, in Steinbach, the youngest of five siblings, who predeceased her: brothers Abram, Peter and George, and sister Mary. She passed away in Steinbach on November 3rd, 2024, aged 87, with her husband John of 65 years holding her hand. As John said during the vigil at her bedside, we began with holding hands and it ends that way, too.
In addition to John, she is survived by daughters Grace (Travis Kroeker) and Denise (Stephane Bourbonniere) and her adopted Manitoba family: nephew Del (Sharon) and his family, Mandy (Shane), Mia and Jaleel; niece Bev (Dale) and daughter Tess (Liam).
Tina began her life on the family farm. Her father died when she was 11 years old and within a couple of years she was working full-time to help support her mother. And what a worker she was for her entire life! Sitting still was not in her nature. Meticulous and quick, she delighted in creating lovely, hospitable places. Everyone loved being in her presence. She made everything beautiful – and delicious!
Tina and John were married on July 25, 1959 and began their life together working in Winnipeg. One of the happiest times of Tina’s life was living on their family farm in Randolph with community all around them. When tragedy struck, they began a new life at Nipawin Bible Institute, where Tina loved inviting students into their home and worked as head cook in the Nipawin Union Hospital. When they returned to Steinbach after retirement, Tina gave her time and energy to the MCC Thrift Shop and, most importantly, to looking after her great-grandchildren, first Tess then Jaleel and Mia. She made life-long friends wherever she lived, and live she did fully with her whole being, wherever she was and whomever she encountered.
Our beloved Tina has gone on to be with other family who have predeceased her.
The come & go viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.
The livestreamed memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with a private family interment prior to the service at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.