Katie Kehler
October 20, 1928 - December 22, 2024
Tribute
Katie Kehler was admitted to the Abbotsford Regional hospital in the early hours of December 22 nd and passed away peacefully later that day with loving family and friends at her side.
Katie’s life began on October 20, 1928, in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan. She was the third child in a family of 8 children born to Cornelius P. Kehler and Margareta (Epp) Kehler. Her parents, two sisters, Margaret (Burns) and Helen (Klassen), two brothers, Peter and Henry, and in-laws Lydia Kehler, Eileen Kehler, and Henry Penner predeceased her in death.
Left to mourn her passing are her brother Neil, sister Marie Dueck (Henry) and Elsie Penner, in-laws Sue Kehler, Bill Klassen (Annie), Patrick Burns, 15 nieces and nephews and their families, plus many relatives and friends.
Katie’s life was greatly impacted by the years on the Saskatchewan prairie. She learned the value of family solidarity, teamwork, and community as she confronted the rigours of the Great Depression. In the one-roomed Suffield School, she was at the top of the class and skipped a grade. At home she was expected to be a care giver to the younger siblings and help with farm chores. Her faith in God was nurtured in the family circle and by memorable visits of itinerant preachers. She loved music and was thrilled when her father surprised the family by bringing home a pump organ. The years that followed would be marked by a life of learned simplicity, resourcefulness, and tenacious determination in her pursuits.
In 1945 the family moved to Abbotsford where Katie was involved in helping her parents become established on a small farm in Sumas Prairie. In the berry patch, her baskets were filled first. Her greater passion was to find her unique calling. This led her on a path of studies, beginning with Bible school in Abbotsford, a move to Vancouver to work as a domestic while completing her high school courses, and a year of teachers training.
After several years of teaching in British Columbia, she pursued further studies at Canadian Mennonite Bible college in Winnipeg and seminary training at Anabaptist Biblical Seminary in Elkhart Indiana, interspersed with a teaching position at the Hopi Mission school in Arizona, and Christian education administrator in a local church in Newton, Kansas.
She learned to drive, a major achievement for her. The first vehicle was a VW “Bug”. She did not hesitate to use this skill to navigate the freeways across the continent. Katie’s training prepared her for service with MCC in Atlanta, Georgia. While living there she participated in the civil rights “Freedom” movement of Martin Luther King during the turbulent years of the 60s. She identified with and advocated for those who were disadvantaged educationally, physically, mentally and socially. Hers was a ministry of support and encouragement, instructing adult literacy classes and other life skills. For respite, Katie motored out to the inter-racial Christian community of Koinonia Farms in Americus, Georgia to help with the pecan growing enterprise.
After taking a break from her work in the USA by moving to Winnipeg for a few years, Katie pursued further training by enrolling in a two-year program of clinical pastoral education in Newton Kansas. The highlight of her vocational journey was a placement as chaplain in a hospital in Lebanon, Oregon. She thrived, finding deep satisfaction in her role of spiritual support and encouragement to staff, patients, and their families. She served there for fourteen years.
When Katie made the choice to be a caregiver/companion to her recently widowed mother in Abbotsford, her path changed again. She learned to live in a new community, and soon contributed her unique gifts in various ways. She also found joy in volunteering and travel. The trips to Ukraine and Germany were highlights where she explored her family roots and visited relatives. Being a keen gardener and gleaner, she delighted in harvesting fruits of all kinds through the summer months, then sharing the abundance with those around her.
House sitting the friends’ hobby farm was another treat. One of her jobs was to care for a llama!
Katie’s last move was to Menno Place where she lived in an apartment at the Pavilion. She took an avid interest in her neighbours, continued her ongoing passion of gardening, reading, playing her keyboard, and keeping in touch with family and many lifelong friends.
When a stroke limited Katie’s mobility and the use of her writing hand, she kept in touch with her friends by phone. With waning physical energy, she needed to learn to accept help. Now she was blessed to receive the support she had often given to others. Tenacious to the end, she was looking forward to the Christmas festivities in the church and with loved ones. Instead, she was called to the larger celebration in the presence of the God she loved and served in her earthly life.
Sincere thanks to her in-laws at Menno Place, Sue and Bill for helping her in practical ways. To her church, especially the Seniors Group and Ladies Fellowship. To the staff at Menno Place on Marshall Road. To all her friends from church who gave her rides to appointments. To Mary Ann who went far beyond the call of duty to provide compassionate housekeeping services. To Mary, her favorite neighbour, who watched over her. To her dentist, Dr. Dick, who she called “the best in Canada”. To her attentive Dr. Moodley, the Home Health care providers and to the medical staff at Abbotsford General Hospital. God bless you all for your thoughtful care and love.
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
January 13, 2025
Beginning at 11:00am
Location:
Emmanuel Mennonite Church
3471 Clearbrook Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
3471 Clearbrook Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
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