Kroeker, Jacob A. (1898-1972)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary Nov 17 p. 23

Birth date: 1898 Feb 14

text of obituary:

JACOB A. KROEKER

Jacob Kroeker, Winnipeg, died on October 9 after a short illness. He was born in the beautiful Crimean peninsula, Russia, in 1898. From there he moved with his parents to Halbstadt, where his father was editor of the Mennonite paper "Friedenstimme." Ill health was a hindrance in his elementary school education, yet he was able to attend a commercial college and complete his education there.

He continued his studies at the Charkaw university, but before he could complete his last year, he was imprisoned on religious rounds. Prison life was detrimental to his health.

After moving to Canada in 1923, he continued his university education in Salem, Oregon; then he attended the University of Manitoba.

In 1927 he was married to Aganetha Konrad and settled in Winnipeg. He had to discontinue his studies due to the depression. His father wanted him to work for the sick, so he became a physiotherapist and opened his own office, assisted by his wife. His main concern was the physical and spiritual welfare of his patient, and God rewarded him in his work.

He accepted Christ as his Saviour at the age of 17 and joined the MB Church shortly thereafter, and has remained an active member in the Central MB Church until the Lord called him away. His ability to organize things was evidenced in the establishment of the German cemetery, Glen Eden, the Concordia Hospital, the Crosstown Credit Union, and many other similar ventures in which he played a significant role.

In later years he was especially interested in the Mennonites in Paraguay, and helped to send medical equipment to their hospitals. His last concern was for a Senior Citizen's Home near his church, but he did not live to see it completed. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."

He leaves to mourn his wife, one son, two daughters, three brothers, two sisters, as well as many friends and relatives.