Cornelius “Neil” C. Kehler, 93, passed away October 2, 2025 at the Mennonite Memorial Home in Bluffton, Ohio. His life’s journey began on August 19, 1932, in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan. He was the fifth of eight children born to the late Cornelius and Margareta (Epp) Kehler. After graduating from Phillip Sheffield High School in Abbotsford, British Columbia, his journey led him into voluntary service with the Mennonite Central Committee where he served at the German Orphan Home in Washington, DC. During his time with MCC he met the love of his life, Eileen Myers. They were married on April 7, 1956. They journeyed together for 63 years until her death on July 31, 2019.

Neil received his bachelor’s degree in physical sciences from Bluffton College in 1958, with minors in biology, math and education. He used this knowledge throughout his journey through several occupations. He began as a high school Chemistry and Physics teacher in Pandora. From there he worked in several process, industrial and design engineering positions and co-authored three patents related to those fields. After building his own home for his family, Neil ran a construction company and built 29 houses before ultimately becoming the owner and operator of E&N Coin Laundry in Findlay, Ohio. 

In his free time, Neil enjoyed music, camping, woodworking, flower gardening, cooking, playing games, walking his dog, sharing hugs and, most of all, spending time with his family. He was an active member of First Mennonite Church throughout his life in Bluffton. He and his wife were also foster parents for 29 children.

Neil is survived by three children; Jeff (Eileen) Kehler of Arlington, Ohio, Cheryl (Carl) Myers of Avilla, Indiana, and Eric (Diane) Kehler of Worthington, Ohio; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and two sisters, Marie Dueck of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Elsie Penner of Kelowna, British Columbia, along with a brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews and their families. 

Neil was preceded in death by a daughter, Bonnie Kehler; a granddaughter, Alyssa Kehler; two brothers, Peter Kehler, Henry Kehler, and three sisters, Margaret Burns, Katie Kehler, and Helen Klassen as well as three brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law.

Although Neil’s earthly journey has ended, he has left behind a legacy of love and a strong foundation of faith in Christ for his family and friends to build upon. 

A celebration of life service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, October 24, 2025 at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton with a light meal following the service. Visitation will be from 3:00-4:00 p.m., Friday, October 24, 2025 at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus or to Mennonite Disaster Service.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com