Kroeker, Henry O. (1885-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Jul 24 p. 5

Birth date: 1885 Aug 31

text of obituary:

Broken Hip Fatal To Retired Farmer

Jansen, Neb. — Funeral services were held in the Evangelical Mennonite Church here July 17 for Henry O. Kroeker, 73, who farmed in this community most of his life.

Mr. Kroeker fell and fractured his hip on May 16, the day following funeral services for his wife, Helena Friesen Kroeker, who died May 11. He was confined to a Beatrice hospital until his death on July 14.

Born near Henderson, Neb., Mr. Kroeker spent all of his married life on a farm near Jansen. He leaves three sons, two daughters and one granddaughter.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Aug 21 p. 8

text of obituary:

HENRY O. KROEKER

On July 14 at 10:30 a. m. Henry O. Kroeker went to be with the Lord at the age of 72 years, 10 months and 15 days. Mr. Kroeker was born August 31, 1885, at Henderson, Neb. In 1893 or 1894 he moved with his parents to Colorado, and after staying there a few years they moved to Southern Texas. In 1907 he came to Jansen, Neb. to make his home.

Bro. Kroeker was the son of Bernhard and Katharina Ott Kroeker. He was born into a minister's home and had 12 brothers and sisters. Three, John, Cornelius and Elizabeth died in infancy, and another sister, Justina, died at the age of seven years. A brother, Bernhard, and two sisters, Marie, Mrs. Abraham Friesen and Katharina, Mrs. Abraham Wiens, have also gone to their reward.

While living in Texas a severe hurricane brought sadness into his life as his mother was taken in death and all of the remainder of the family were gravely injured. Henry was not expected to live, but in answer to prayer the Lord undertook for him.

Bro Kroeker was converted and a few years later, in June 1903, he was baptized upon his confession of faith.

By the leading of the Lord Bro. Kroeker me Aganetha Friesen and they were married April 26, 1910. The Lord blessed this home with a son, Klaas. Sadness entered this home as Bro. Kroeker's wife was taken from him in death at the birth of a second son, Bernhard, on Jan. 23, 1915. About a week later Bernhard also was taken in death.

The Lord again undertook and on June 22, 1915, Bro. Kroeker was married to Helena Friesen. The Lord blessed this home with four children, Lena, Bernhard, Kathryn, and Isaac.

Bro. Kroeker taught a Sunday School class for a number of years and also did some preaching. He was voted as minister in the church but did not accept because he felt it was not the Lord's will.

During the last 22 years Bro. Kroeker was weak and sickly. On May 11,1958, his wife was taken from him in death after having suffered much from cancer. She was laid to rest on May 14. On the following day while doing the evening chores he fell and broke his hip. He was taken to the Lutheran Hospital in Beatrice and it was hoped that he would soon be able to come home. Heart trouble developed, however, and after severe suffering he went to be with his Lord.

Bro. Kroeker loved God's Word very much and sat by the hour to read his Bible.

He leaves to mourn his departure three sisters, Mrs. Peter (Helena) Fast, Mrs. Sara Anderson and Mrs. Peter E. (Anna) Friesen; two half-brothers, Peter and Martin; five children, Klass [sic Klaas], Lena, Bernhard, Kathryn, and Isaac; two daughters-in-law, Mrs. Bernhard Kroeker and Mrs. Isaac Kroeker; and a grandchild, Rebecca.