Obituary of Stanley David Koehnlein

   Stanley David Koehnlein was born on the Bennett farm near McCreary, Manitoba. Around the age of 2, he moved to Nipawin with his mother and stepfather and grew up across the old CPR bridge near Nipawin—a place that would always feel like home.

 

   Stanley took his schooling in town, but at the tender age of 15, he decided to enter the workforce. Stanley was a hard worker from a young age, taking on many jobs over the years, including farm hand, logger, carpenter, and seed plant worker. He believed in honest work and took pride in everything he did.

   

   In 1957, Stanley met and married Ruby Debtbrenner, and together they raised five children – Arthur, Kelvin, Jenny, Lynell and Liza. Family was always at the heart of Stanley’s life - whether coaching and refereeing sports, fishing, playing cards (even when he had to pay up – mark that down), or enjoying time outdoors. He would never turn down a family gathering and would get excited when it was announced that hotdogs were on the menu, the more burnt the better. 

         

   The family moved to town in 1968 which allowed the family to become more involved in sports. Stanley spent many hours coaching hockey and ball as well as refereeing and umping. He never missed an opportunity to cheer on his kids or his grandkids.

   

   In 1978, the family decided that town life was over-rated and they moved back across the old CPR bridge to the Campbell acreage. The kids twisted Stanley’s arm and convinced him to get a horse, but only if they agreed to help clean out the barn, which they did quite willingly. One horse turned into two (Dusty and Barron) which resulted in great fun and many memories. Life on the acreage brought horses, sleigh rides, a dog sled team, a bustling market garden in 1981, and many cherished memories. Stanley took great pride in his land—and in his “farm toys,” always keeping them in top shape.

   

   Above all, Stanley loved his family. Stanley leaves behind his wife Ruby, children Arthur (Anna), Jenny (Rick), Lynell Dempster (John), and Liza. Daughter in law Beth (Kelvin). Grandchildren Jody Snider (Richard), Derek Koehnlein (Neda), Joleen Rossington (Paul), Jessie Koehnlein (Bailey), Ashley Hobbins (Troy), Matthew Grandfield (Pam), David Dempster (Christa), Deserai Greba (Steve) and Great Grandchildren Hailey, Carter, Owen, Norah, Luke, Katelyn, Ashton, Jake, Azura, Dane, Logan, Flynn, Walker and Bastian. 

 

   Stanley is predeceased by his stepfather Arthur Koehnlein, mother Flora, half-brother Wesley Bennett, half-sister Mary Desmarais and son Kelvin Koehnlein.

 

   Memorial donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 120 (Nipawin, SK.), 328 1 Ave E, PO Box 1324, Nipawin, SK., S0E 1E0.