JACOB KETLER

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JACOB KETLER Jacob Rempel Ketler passed away peacefully on August 18, 2011. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Connie (nee Barkman); daughters, Barb Isaak, Judy (Trevor) Proutt, Cindy (Brian) Smith; and seven grandchildren, Kerry Wall, Matthew, Carlin and Victoria Proutt; Caitlyn, Remington and Hunter Diamond. He is survived by his siblings, Agnes Ketler, Henry (Doris) Ketler and Melinda Penner. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Katharina Ketler, and his brother William Ketler. Jac was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan on July 29, 1925, and lived in the Glenbush, SK area until the family moved to Steinbach. He worked for Friesen Machine and Reimer Express before spending the majority of his career as a Service Manager with J.R. Friesen and Sons/Fairway Ford. Jac was known for his integrity, customer service and mentorship of employees. Jac was actively involved in the Steinbach community including being a founding member of the Steinbach Curling Club and the Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course. He also enjoyed many hours up in the sky flying his Mooney airplane after he worked for and completed his private pilot's license. He was also active in the Steinbach Mennonite Brethren Church for many years. His love of music was evident in his involvement with the community male choir through the years. After retirement he also volunteered for the Steinbach R.C.M.P. detachment, something he really enjoyed doing. Jac's biggest legacy was his unfailing support and care for his family. Jac and Connie married on July 29, 1954, and enjoyed many happy years together. Jac always showed an active interest in the activities of his three daughters, and extended this interest to each of his grandchildren. He was present at many activities and sporting events, both locally and nationally, to provide support and encouragement. Jac always advocated for the importance of education and doing your best in whatever was undertaken. Jac will be dearly missed by his family and friends. The family would like to thank the staff of the St. Adolphe Personal Care Home, for their care and compassion over the last number of months. A viewing will be held on Monday, August 22, 2011, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Mennonite Brethren Church, 340 Second St. Steinbach, MB. A celebration of Jac's life will be held at the Mennonite Brethren Church, on Tuesday, August 23, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. A private family interment will take place at Memorial Cemetery prior to the service. In lieu of flowers donations are gratefully accepted for Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive; Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9 or the Youth for Christ Steinbach, 220 Lumber Ave., Steinbach, MB R5G 0T6. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2011