Gertrude Kehler

On June 24, 2026, at the age of 99 years, our beloved mother, Gertrude Kehler, nee Toews, passed away peacefully at Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Gertrude was born in Mrytle, Manitoba on Nov 19, 1926. She accepted Christ as her Saviour and was baptized in the Homewood Bergthaler church as a teenager.

Gertrude came from a large farming family of 17 children. She married Edwin Kehler on January 1, 1945. They moved from the Carmen area to Altona and purchased a small one room house. The house was moved to a lot they purchased from Edwin's parents. This small house was added to several times. They lived their entire married life in this house.

Gertrude was the beloved wife of Edwin Kehler for 59 years and the treasured mother of 6 children: Clifford (Patricia), Janice Peters, Jim (Susie), Arnold (Mirielle), Judy Martens (Lloyd), and Conrad (Rachelle), as well as grandmother to 22 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.

Mom had several part time jobs and then later, she worked for 26 1/2 years at the Altona post office. She enjoyed the independence and took great pride in her work. She made many long time friends there.

Mom enjoyed singing, playing the piano and working in the garden and it was clear to see the joy on her face when she was creating something.

Gertrude was predeceased by her husband Edwin and her son Arnold, her parents Helena and Abram Toews and her siblings; Agatha, Mary Friesen, David, Abe, Tina Hoeppner, Dietrich, Jake, Julius, Anne Buhler, John and Helen Friesen.

Mom lived a long life to the age of 99 years and she will always be remembered for her faith in God and her hospitality.

We love you and will miss you!

A celebration of Gertrude's life will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the McIvor Avenue MB Church (200 McIvor Ave. Winnipeg, MB).  A private burial will take place prior to the service at the Altona Cemetery.  Viewing will be at Wiebe Funeral Home Altona on Sunday, June 28 from 1:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Donations in memory of Gertrude may be made to the Concordia Hospital Palliative Care Room.