Thomas (Tom) Kehler

Thomas (Tom) Kehler

June 7, 1934 – June 11, 2023

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”  (Psalm 116:15)

Our dad, grandpa, great grandpa (papa) finished his earthly sojourn on June 11, 8:56 p.m. and immediately entered his eternal home with angels rejoicing, not because of who he was, but whose (Jesus) he was.

Dad was born on a farm, just outside of Gouldtown, Sk. to Deitrich (Richard) and Maria (Mary) Kehler (nee Schulz).  As a young boy, dad moved to Saskatoon with his family, settling in the Mayfair area, where he attended Mayfair Elementary School.  During this time, unbeknownst to him, he met his future wife, Marjorie Konrath, with the two families even sharing the same house on different levels.

After completing grade 8, dad entered the work force to help support his family as his mother was left to support 4 children.  After various jobs, dad joined C.N.R.  where he worked for over 35 years.  After retiring at age 55, it didn’t take long for dad to find his ministry retirement job at Dalmeny Funeral Home for almost 25 years.

On Sept. 4, 1954, mom and dad were married at Mayfair Mennonite Church, where they had attended as young people, being part of the youth group, as well as church goers.  That summer was a very busy season for weddings, as there were at least 11 weddings, and later most couples joined in milestone reunions.

In 1958, mom and dad were excited and blessed to welcome Brenda Lynn into their lives, followed by Glen Thomas in 1959, and finally Laurie Jean in 1963.  In the summer of 1968, a $500 two story house was purchased and moved onto a newly purchased 80 acres of land just off the Dalmeny highway, and life on Hooterville (a fictional agricultural community from the sit-coms Petti Coat Junction and Green Acres) began.  Our ‘rural’ life was underway, with various animals and chores, a great way to raise a family.

Immediately we became part of Dalmeny life, the most important belonging to Dalmeny Bible Church.  Dad very quickly got involved and served in many roles in the church, having a servant heart in serving and leadership.  His leadership in Christian Service Brigade followed him to Dalmeny, where he served locally and on the Area Committee of Saskatoon.  Dad was very involved in Dalmeny community life, serving on the Rec. Board, School Board, various committees, and playing multiple sports, including broomball which he loved.

Dad was a man of deep faith, dedicating his life to Jesus Christ at an early age, living out his faith in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2).  He shared Jesus with so many people, with words and actions.  He loved his family and left an incredible Christian legacy that extends to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  His final words to the great grandchildren in the hospital were, “Keep truckin’ for Jesus!” 

Mom and Dad always supported and cheered on their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in all activities, whether it was sports, recitals, dramas, concerts, graduations, or anything else they were involved in.

Dad will be missed by so many, but he will be reunited with so, so many close friends (he had them written down)!  But most importantly, he will be with his Heavenly Father, whom he loved and served.

Left to survive are the love of his life of almost 69 years, Marjorie, daughter Brenda (Greg) Guarnett, Glen (Kelly) Kehler, Laurie (Cal) Fehr; grandchildren Sara (Brian) Giesbrecht, Jonathan Guarnett, Jarett Kehler, Kayla Fehr, Lukas (Kiara) Fehr, Tyson (Hannah) Kehler; great grandchildren Padan, Jacey, Abner, Eve, Henry, and Simeon Giesbrecht, Ainsley and Addy Kehler, and Oliver Fehr.  Also brother Menno (Betty Ann) Kehler, brother-in-law Peter Konrath, nieces and nephews, and many cousins. 

Dad was predeceased by his parents Dietrich and Mary Kehler, parent in-laws, Abe and Sara Konrath, sisters Helen (at 11 months), Mary (Frank) Bueckert, brother Ruben Kehler, sister-in-law Kathy Konrath, and many, many close friends.

The family would like to thank all those who have phoned, sent e-mails, texts, food and flowers and also for the many prayers.  We appreciate the love that you have shown to us. We would also like to thank the staff at RUH for the compassionate care given to Dad in his final week and also to all the doctors who have cared for him the last several years.  Thank you all.

A celebration of dad’s life will take place on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Dalmeny Bible Church, 406 Wakefield Ave, Dalmeny, SK.  

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF CELEBRATION SERVICE FOR THE LATE TOM KEHLER
(A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above.)

Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.