DENNIS LEROY KEHLER

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DENNIS LEROY KEHLER It is with great sorrow that our family announces the passing of Dennis Leroy Kehler, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather on February 14, 2013, at the age of 81, with his wife Yvonne and family members at his side. Dennis was born in Saskatchewan on September 22, 1931 to Cornelius and Frieda Kehler. He grew up in Steinbach, Manitoba where he learned to always work hard for the things you want and that being true to your values are the most important traits that a person should possess. At age 18 Dennis joined the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and was quickly promoted to Lance Corporal leading a patrol in Korea, Canada's forgotten war. Dennis was severely wounded at the Battle of Kapyong and returned to Canada as a decorated war hero, receiving the United States Presidential Unit Citation for valour. Dennis was the first Canadian casualty to return from Korea and spent almost two years in rehabilitation recovering from his injuries. Dennis met and fell in love with Yvonne Parker, who chased him until he caught and married her in November 1952. Dennis continued to serve in the Canadian Military with postings in Churchill, Manitoba as Staff Sergeant, Kingston, Ontario at the Officer's Training School, and finally moving his ever growing family to Winnipeg in 1968. He eventually retired from the military as a Warrant Officer. Dennis was a successful manager at the St. Regis Hotel, The Granite Curling Club, and the Wheelies Roller Rinks in Winnipeg and Dartmouth. In 1989, Dennis and Yvonne returned from Nova Scotia with a plan to retire in Manitoba. They found their little piece of paradise in Belair, Manitoba. They were members of the Seniors Scene for over 20 years, making many friends and memories. Dennis will always be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his impeccable gardens, his infectious laugh, his constant companion Corky , and the great love he had for his family. He is survived, and will be deeply missed, by his loving wife of 60 years, Yvonne; seven children: Jan (Brian) Leonard of Spruce Grove, AB, Shelley (Bob) Prpich of Victoria, BC, Judy McGarry of Winnipeg, MB, Diane (Allan) Kutryk of Winnipeg, MB, Bruce (Kim) of Neenah, WI, Brenda (Mike) Bravener of Fredericton, NB, Jacquie (Ken) Walsh of Ancaster, ON, 17 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; his three brothers Russ, Don, Lee, and two sisters Doris Janzen, Marlene Aitken, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Essa, Dr. Unrah, and the entire team at the Health Sciences Centre Surgical Intensive Care Unit, for their compassionate care and concern. In keeping with Dennis' wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral at this time. There will be a celebration of Dennis' life at his little piece of paradise in Lester Beach this summer.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2013