John C. Kehler or” Pappy”, 67, passed away at his home of natural causes on the night of Jan.7, 2013.
John was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania on July 3, 1945. He was the fifth child of Evelyn and John D. Kehler. John attended school at Tri-Valley in Hegins, PA. He married his sweet heart, Linda, in 1964. From this union two children were born a son and daughter. For the love of his family, he stopped driving truck and he went to work in a textile mill. In 1974, he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He enjoyed teaching people about the god he loved, Jehovah. He often used his good sense of humor to reason with ones.
In 1989, he left his home and moved to Montana to be with his children. Him and his son joined forces to form Shine & Glo, Inc. He was often seen driving his John Deere tractor or squealing the tires of his four wheeler. He was a fun Grandpa who enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding the dunes and playing the harmonica with his family. Even though he lost his leg three years ago, he never let it stop him.
John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda, a son John (Dala) of Forsyth, Tina (Tony) of Portland, OR. Grandchildren Jared, Kendra, Brianna.
John is also survived by his sisters Sophie, Janie
John is preceded in death by his father John, mother Evelyn, brothers Ronald,Eugene and Bill.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 11, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson & Sons of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 11, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday January 12, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 11, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson & Sons of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 11, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday January 12, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Share
Penny Roberts McPherson says
To all of John’s family. I am so sorry for your loss. I talked to John last night as I was leaving work. He always had a good word and a great sense of humor. Again, I am so so sorry.
Mike and Lynn Blakesley says
Kehlers, I’m so sorry for your loss. John was one of our favorite people, always upbeat and fun to visit with. He was so courageous and determined over the last few years dealing with his injuries — he was an inspiration and will be greatly missed.
Janet & Randy Stanhope says
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family in this very trying time. John was such a ray of sunshine and a true joy to be around and he will be sorely missed by all. Please know our prayers are sent your way.
Cathy Byron says
Forsyth lost a special person with John’s passing. In spite of the hardships of his past few years, he was always upbeat and proud to show off his “new” leg. He was always so helpful and willing to go the extra mile when The Rosebud Foundation needed technical assistance at the courthouse during the annual Lighting of the Luminaria. He will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with all of you.
Clenora cogdill Quinlan says
Oh my gosh, another Forsyth Family hurting cuz the loss of a loved one. Your Loved one, We all loved John too. And his shinny smile, takin on his next challenge we’ll miss him. We’ll hold you in our prayers.
Our deepes sympathies to all John’s family.
Diana Robinette says
John will be missed. I enjoyed waiting on him and his wife at Fritz. He was always happy and upbeat. My prayers and thoughts are with his wife. I have been in your shoes, just take one day at a time and lean on the Lord, he will get you through it. God Bless.
Wayne and Carola Moline says
Linda, and family, wow what a shock, John has fought so hard to make life normal after his accident, only to lose it, at least for the time being. We do have a wonderful hope for the future, but right now it is enough to try to deal with the pain his absence will leave for all of you. our thoughts and prayers are that you can cope with the days ahead thru the strength that our loving God Jehovah gives in comforting those who mourn.
Wayne and Carola Moline.
CALLIE CLARK says
I’m sorry for your loss. He will be deeply missed by all. I enjoyed talking with him when he came around work. And again We are sorry for your loss.
Connie Brown says
Linda and familiy,
Our community won’t be the same without your loved one, John, in it. He was truly an inspiration to many people! We will truly miss seeing him ride on the green tractor at the courthouse, mowing the lawn. May you have comfort in knowing others love you and care in the days ahead.
Bob and Naomi Rusdal says
Our sympathy to your family-we will miss John and his cowoy hat mowing the lawn here in the villa. He always had time to talk and we enjoyed visiting with him. So sorry for your
loss our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Alfred & Debbie Anderson says
We are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He had such a good spirit and his sense of humor was very inspiring in view of all he has gone through. He will be missed by many. God bless your family; you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry and Mickey Rose says
You certainly have been in our prayers the past few days. We have nothing but very fond memories of John since you chose to move to Montana. Our love goes out to you all, Tina, Tony, Brianna, John Jr., Dala, Kendra and Jared and especially to you, Linda,. I know it will be hard for you in the months and years to come, but we do have the wonderful promise of the resurrection into a peaceful new earth with no sickness or death. Rely on family and spiritual friends to comfort you at this time.
Billie & Don Deutscher says
Linda & Family,
John was one of those special people, his bright smiling face will be missed. I know the last few years were hard but he never seem to miss a beat in the preaching work or helping someone. It is very hard to think he has pasted. I know he will be missed. We know that we will see him in the new system but until then may Jehovah watch and care for all of you.
Jay Murray says
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of John’s passing. We would like to send our thoughts, prayers and condolences to his entire family. He was such an upbeat and inspirational person. He will be missed.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
To all of John’s family, Perry Nentwig told me of his passing. So sorry for your loss and Forsyth’s loss. John will be greatly missed.
Jeff and Jackie Smith says
We were touched very much when we heard of Johns passing away. Jackie and I loved his positive attitude and could see his joy of life by his smiling face. We’ll miss him. We look forward to seeing him in the new system of things.
Carol Gamble says
May the memories you have of John keep him close. God’s blessing for all the family.
Curt and Cathy Fleming says
John will be sorely missed. He always had a smile and a friendly “hi”. We will be be thinking of you and praying for you.
Mark & Doris Pinkerton says
We were so sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was such a special person, and will be greatly missed.
Terry Lauver says
Linda, John and Tina, I’m sorry to hear about uncle John’s passing. Hold close to all the great memories and continue to give the love he gave to you and those he touched. Love you all.
Jane Lauver says
I’ll never forget the fun times we had riding the gig he built and skating on the pond on our farm.
He was an awesome brother!
Love your sister, Jane
Paul and Lynne Querengasser says
We are in the Pottsville, PA congregation and saw John’s name in the paper. So sorry for your loss. Even though we have never met, out spiritual brotherhood makes us hurt, too. Seeing the family photos and reading the other comments, one can see such a kind, loving brother and family. May Jehovah be with you at this sad time. My favorite scripture is at Ps. 56:8 where it says Jehovah remembers even our tears. How glad we will be when death will be no more and we will have tears of joy in the resurrection, instead of tears from sorrow.
Paul and Lynne Querengasser says
We are in the Pottsville, PA congregation and saw John’s name in the paper. So sorry for your loss. Even though we have never met, our spiritual brotherhood makes us hurt, too. Seeing the family photos and reading the other comments, one can see such a kind, loving brother and family. May Jehovah be with you at this sad time. My favorite scripture is at Ps. 56:8 where it says Jehovah remembers even our tears. How glad we will be when death will be no more and we will have tears of joy in the resurrection, instead of tears from sorrow.
Bill & Marisa Oskowski says
Dear Linda & Family ,
We were very sad to hear about John . He was a good man. May your memories of John bring you comfort. We will really miss him alot. We look forward to seeing him in the resurrection. We’re keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. May Jehovah comfort you at this difficult time.
Terri and Charlie Brown says
We were so sorry to hear about John. Our hearts go out to you as the days go by now without him. He was a good man and has an awesome family. May the memories that live in your hearts sustain you during the days to come.
With our sincerest sympathy….
Charlie and Terri
Silvester & Darla Dabre says
My Dear Friends,
No words can truly express the deep sorrow we share with you. Even though we live far away from you, though we are not face to face, please be assured that you are in our thoughts and prayers. John is now in the safest place he can be, in Jehovah’s memory. May Jehovah comfort and sustain each of you giving you the strength to endure this pain. How we each do yearn for tomorrow when Jehovah will keep his promise of no pain, no death and no sorrow. When John will awaken from sleep with a full head of hair, smile on his face and eager to be with his friends and family in Jehovah’s promised paradise.
With all our love,
Silvester and Darla Dabre
Vickie and Dennis Krause says
Words can’t come near to what a person feels losing a love one. His memories will always be with you. He was a wonderful man.
Shirley & Gary Sallada says
Linda, John, Tina,
We are sorry for your loss. While this is a difficult time, John has left you with a treasure of memories to cherish. Today and always may those memories bring you peace and comfort.
Rick and Gayle Scheidt says
I was so sorrry to hear about Johns death. Your family will be in our prayers. You have our most sincere sympathy.