We Remember

MANTLER, Ruben

June 21, 1930 — April 4, 2021

In loving memory of Ruben (Rubin) Alfred Mantler who passed away peacefully in Kelowna, BC on April 4, 2021. Ruben was born in Mennon, Saskatchewan on June 21, 1930, to Peter S. Mantler and Sara Friesen. His family moved to British Columbia in 1935, finally settling on a farm in Clearbrook. Ruben graduated from Philip Sheffield High School in 1948 and was baptized in the Clearbrook Mennonite Brethren Church in 1949. He opened his first autobody shop in the early 1950s but closed it shortly after when he moved to Terrace, BC. He fell in love with the city and the people following a spontaneous vacation to the area. Love was definitely in the air in Terrace! In 1956, Ruben met Ellen who was the love of his life and his partner and helpmate from 1957 until his last breath. They started their family in Terrace with Philip James, born in 1960, and Elaine Marlene, born in 1961. They moved to Prince George in 1961 where Ruben opened his next autobody shop and continued his work as a master automotive painter. Janet Lois was born in 1964. Ruben spent his days working in the shop and soon spent his evenings studying to become a Certified General Accountant. Ruben opened his own accounting practice in 1975, and although he sold his practice in 2007 when he and Ellen moved to Kelowna, he didn’t officially retire from accounting until 2020.

Throughout his life, Ruben was a quiet but very active member of the Mennonite Brethren church, consistently tithing even when financial times were tight. He lived a life of service behind the scenes. He was the church treasurer and a member of many volunteer boards in Prince George and Kelowna. He was always present at church work bees and lent a helping hand to those in need. He was giving and selfless and saw the best in people. Ruben was a man of honesty and integrity. He was trustworthy even when it wasn’t convenient. Every action he took, he did it to the absolute best of his ability. After surviving rheumatic fever when he was eight, Ruben was told that he would have to be careful with what he did because he now had a bad heart. When his heart finally stopped beating in the wee hours of the morning on April 4, we knew those doctors in 1938 were wrong. Ruben had a very good heart indeed.

Ruben is survived by his wife of 63 years, F. Ellen Mantler, and children Philip (Frances Hankins), Elaine (Ken Warkentin), and Janet (John Hawkins), grandchildren Sarah Mantler Dahlmann (Chris Dahlmann), Ian Mantler, Heather Mantler, Ashley Warkentin Mitrega (Steve Eichinger), Kyle Warkentin (Alise Stark), and Michela Mantler, and great-grandchildren Aurelia Dahlmann, Teagan Mitrega, and Remi Warkentin. He was predeceased by his brother Albert and sisters Alma and Laura.

In lieu of flowers, please give a bouquet of daffodils or tulips to someone who needs a bright light in their day or make a donation to the Mennonite Central Committee.

A Service will be held with immediate family members in attendance. Livestreaming will be available for family and friends at a distance on APRIL 6, 2021, AT 3:00 PM (See Below). A recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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Mennonite Central Committee Link: mcccanada.ca

 


 


Condolences

  • Lillian & Peter Kroeker says:

    So many card games , so many billiards
    games.. Thankful for the memories, such Great Friends.
    And now , he is with Jesus !
    Our Love 💕 & Prayers for you Ellen 🙏
    Lillian & Peter

  • jAgnes Penner says:

    Ellen and family – so sorry to hear you had to say goodbye to Ruben. It makes me think of our many years of friendship in Prince George. All those lovely meals together as families and working together at the church. May God bevery near and comfort you all. Blessings, Agnes

  • Frances Willms says:

    Dear Ellen and family; My condolences and much love to you and your family. So many happy memories of fun and work together. So often we had reasons to pray for one another.

  • Garth Walker says:

    Thinking of you today Ellen and the rest of the family. All of our love from the KGF family as you, for the moment, say goodbye to Ruben, until that day when we will all be together with the Lord Jesus.

  • Ted and Rosaleen Scoullar says:

    So sorry to hear of Ruben’s passing. He was a great boss and friend.
    Condolences to the family.

  • Rose Loewen, Lena Hamm says:

    Dear Ellen & Family
    Our condolences to you all….. so many good memories of times together…card games, dinners, fellowship……..may you sense God’s everlasting arms carrying you through this time.
    Love & Prayers,
    Rose, Lena

  • Pete & Carole Willms says:

    Dear Ellen, Philip, Elaine, Janet & family,
    We’re thinking of you, and appreciate that we can celebrate Ruben’s life with you today. We send you our condolences and love.
    Pete & Carole

  • Myrna Leaney (Penner) says:

    Dear Janet, thinking of you during this time of loss. Remembering so many good times with your family – lots of meals, riding in the back the station wagon waving out the open window – your dad must have been driving , eating porridge with chocolate chips on it for breakfast at your cabin, Thanks for welcoming me into family.
    I am thinking of you. Let’s talk sometime soon.
    Love Myrna

  • Terry Plant says:

    Dear Aunty Ellen, Phillip, Elaine and Janet; We send our deepest condolences to you as you say goodbye to Uncle Ruben today. I have many memories of you all in the years we lived in Prince George together. Time at each of our houses, picnics, and times at your cabin at Bedneste. I remember Uncle Ruben just as you described him, Phillip, kind, laughing, gentle, joking, and generous. Those characteristics will remain in my memory of him. My most favourite memory is when he would take us out on the boat and drive in circles so we would bounce on the wake waves! To me it was terrifying yet thrilling! As we all got older and married I know that Ed enjoyed his times sitting and talking with Uncle Ruben and said so any time we had together. Uncle Ruben will be missed whenever we will be able to get together again. May you all feel God’s peace all about you in the next coming while as you get used to his missing presence and know that there are many holding you close in prayer. Love, Terry-Ellen & Ed

  • Rudy and Ruby Hamm says:

    Our condolences to Ellen and the family. We have such good memories of Ruben. Ruby remembers the Mantler family when they lived on Vedder Road near Yarrow. It was such a blessing to connect with Ruben and Ellen at KGF in Kelowna. Our prayers continue for the family.

  • Elfrieda Block says:

    My heartfelt condolences to Ellen and the family. I have good memories of Ruben during our time in Prince George.

  • Kim Spies says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss Aunty Ellen, Phillip, Elaine and Janet. It’s so hard to say goodbye, and I know your hearts will hurt, but what comfort you have knowing that Ruben is with his Lord, and you will see him again. Until that day, I pray that the peace that passes all understanding will surround you and sustain you. May your happy memories comfort you and make you smile. Love, Kimberly Jayne

  • Doug and Vicki Kibble says:

    Dear Ellen and family,
    Our sincere condolences to you and the family on the passing of Reuben. We admired his strong faith in
    God… he was a wonderful example to all. We remember his huge smile! You were both instrumental in our discipleship. You planted seeds which helped us both commit our lives to Christ!
    All our love
    Doug and Vicki Kibble

  • MP Tracy Gray says:

    I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
    Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country

  • Alan and Cynthia Nichols says:

    Dear Ellen and family.
    Our sincere condolences to you and your family in your loss. Although it is a sad day there are so many memories to share each day that I hope they will comfort you in your time of grief.
    Ruben was a prized member of our bowling team for a few years. We were appropriately named the “odd balls” and there was never a better descriptor. But we all enjoyed each other’s company and had a fun time without too much focus on the score. As it turned out we all supported each other so well that as a team we were actually fairly successful, to the surprise and joy of us all
    All our love
    Alan and Cynthia

  • Jake & Helen Wiens says:

    We’re so sorry to hear of Ruben’s passing. We have always enjoyed our friendship and have good memories of our years in Prince George for many years. I enjoyed working for Ruben at the accounting office as he was a wonderful employer.

  • Del anderson says:

    Rubin was one of the nicest individuals I ever met he definitely had his hands full apprenticing me,, thru to a red seal technician, a patient and wonderful person, his patients and care have lasted me a life time a lifetime. My sincere condolences to his family

  • Ken & Kathy Esau says:

    Our love and thoughts go out to you today on the loss of a very special man in your life. May you be covered by God’s loving arms during this time. Ken always enjoyed talking about cars with Rueben.. we were privileged to have known Rueben.

  • Gary Carlson says:

    I would like to send my condolences to you and family on my behalf as would Tina (passed April 20/20). Many good memories from Prince George that seem so many years ago.

  • Grace Toews says:

    Our condolences to Aunt Ellen, Philip, Elaine and Janet on Uncle Ruben’s passing. May God give you peace and comfort at this time and as you cherish his memory. With love, Grace Toews for the Rudy & Laura (Mantler) Spenst family

  • Arthur Thiessen says:

    Hi Ellen— We have travelled many miles together in life. Rueben made Art’s journey in business a lot easier. He was a good friend. May the Lord comfort you and us. Blessings Art and Elsie

  • Gary & Betty Gurnsey says:

    Ellen & family
    Remembering the times we spent with you & Ruben, all good memories. Gary frequently went to Ruben for advice and was never disappointed. Knowing that Ruben is with our Heavenly Father is a comfort and our prayers are with you. Love, Gary & Betty

  • Harold & Dickie Crandall says:

    Ellen
    Praying you will sense God’s nearness at this time. On our first Sunday here in Kelowna your and Ruben were greeters at the door. We were so surprised as we remembered you from our time in Prince George before we went with MCC.

  • Alvin Schroeder says:

    My sincere condolences to you Ellen and to your family on Ruben’s passing . I’ve always appreciated his encouragement and complete trust in my work with him as the assistant treasurer for the Church for many years. Thanks for sharing this loving service of remembrance of Ruben, Thanks too ,Phil, for the beautiful tribute to your Dad

  • Betty Yarrow says:

    Dear Ellen and families. As you grieve your loss, you, no doubt know how Rubin ‘s life was a blessing to many who knew him (even as little as I did from living @ NWRR). His quiet, gentle manner spoke volumes of the strengths he had, in ALL the roles he experienced over the years.
    THANK YOU for the availability to livestream observe/participate the funeral service. What a memorable tribute! Please know that my prayers are with and for you as you cope with your physical loss. I too, believe that he is with his Eternal reward with Jesus, Our Saviour. God bless you Respectfully, with prayer, Hope & Faith,
    Betty Yarrow

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