Kroeker, Helen Friesen (1895-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Oct 12 p. 8

Birth date: 1895 Jan 22

text of obituary:

MRS. ABE KROEKER

Our precious wife and mother Helen Friesen Kroeker, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Willems) Friesen, was born on Jan. 22, 1895, near Conway, Kansas. In 1902, she moved with her parents in a farm near Inman, Kansas, where she spent her childhood days.

As a teenage girl that she recognized her lost condition during the great revival meetings held by Missionary Frank Wiens. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour and was baptized Dec. 5, 1909, by Rev. John Esau and untied with the Zoar M. B. Church. In 1918, she moved with her parents to Claremont, Alberta, Canada.

On Oct. 23, 1921, she was united in holy matrimony with Abraham Kroeker at Claremont, Alberta. This marriage, which lasted 39 years, 10 months and 19 days, was blessed with one daughter, Lorena.

In 1922 we moved to Fairmead, Calif., where we farmed for two years, after which we transferred our home to a farm near Shafter, Calif. In 1943 we moved to Reedley, Calif. where we lived on a farm up to the last days.

Our mother loved the Lord as her personal Savior and found great joy in teaching the Word of God to others and testifying of God's grace. For a number of years she taught a Sunday school class in the Reedley Home for the Aged.

About four years ago she was informed that she was suffering with cancer. She took this calmly as from the hand of the Lord, and her constant prayer was that God should be glorified even through her suffering. Bedfast during the last 10 months, she suffered patiently to the last hour. On Sept.12, 1916, her soul was taken from the body and took its journey to her creator. She reached the age of 66 years, seven months, and 20 days.

Those who remain to mourn her departure are her husband, of Dinuba; one daughter, Lorena, of the home; four sisters, Elizabeth Friesen of Buhler, Kansas, Marie, Mrs. Henry Pauls of Buhler, Kansas, Anna, Mrs. Jacob Kroeker of Shafter, and Kathryn, Mrs. Arnold Buller, Reedley; two brothers, Henry E. Friesen of Reedley and Abraham E. Friesen, Shafter; one aunt, Mrs. Jacob Siebert of the Reedley Home for the Aged.