Kroeker, Helen Thielman (1913-2000)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Feb 02 p. 27

Birth date: 1913 Apr 14

text of obituary:

HELEN KROEKER

Helen Kroeker of Rosthern, Sask. passed away Sept. 24. She was born Apr. 14, 1913 to Peter and Elisabeth Thielman in Nikolaidorf, Russia. When she was 9, her father died. In 1925 the family immigrated to Herbert, Sask. Things were difficult, but they felt safe, and God was good to them. In her teens, she helped support the family by doing housework and odd jobs. In 1930 she married Bill Kroeker. During evangelistic services in the area, she and Bill dedicated their lives to the Lord; they never doubted God would be there for them. In 1931 they moved to Hepburn, Sask., a move that was hard for her. She was a hard worker, stooking for neighbours while attending to her children. In 1939 daughter Ruby died of diphtheria; she never got over the loss. In 1945 they moved to B.C., and bought a dairy farm, but they moved back to Hepburn in 1946 to do grain and mixed farming. They were active in church and were church stewards for many years. She loved teaching Sunday school, especially her own grandchildren. She also enjoyed the ladies' aides and fellowship. In 1959 she accepted a cooking job at Bethany Bible Institute. Bill joined her a couple of years later. They were known to students as "Ma" and "Pa". They retired in 1981. In 1996 they moved to Pineview at Mennonite Nursing Home, Rosthern. Six weeks later, Bill died. In 1998 she moved to the personal care home. Predeceased by Bill, daughter Ruby and 3 siblings, she is mourned by daughter Alice; 5 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister. A memorial service was held Sept. 29 in Hepburn MB Church, with Ross Penner and Jeff Peters ministering.