Kroeker, Herbert (1920-1944)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Aug 24 p. 3

Birth date: 1920 Oct 17

text of obituary:

HERBERT KROEKER

Pvt. Herbert Kroeker was born in York county, Nebr., on Oct. 17, 1920. He finished the eighth grade and high school in Henderson, Nebr., graduating from the high school with the class of 1940. After his graduation he took a special course in manual training in Belvue, Nebr. In April 1941, he went to California where he was employed by the Weber Show Case Co. until he was drafted into the army in Oct., 1942. He was married to Betty Lou Schierling on Oct. 26, 1941. He chose the medical division of the army because he was not willing to take the gun and destroy life but rather wanted to save life. Wherever he went in the U. S. A. from camp to camp his wife and baby were permitted to be with him. The training caused him to do much shifting. First he was stationed in California, then Florida, Tennessee, and Indiana. From here he was sent overseas and landed in England on Feb. 22, 1944. On June 12, 1944, he landed in France.

He was affiliated with the Immanuel church of Los Angeles and received the rite of baptism on Oct. 11, 1942. While in California he sang in the men's chorus. He also sang in the male chorus while in the country's service.

When he was 12 years old his father was taken from him through death. This left him as the oldest son in the family to help his widowed mother.

Often the family has asked why God had such strange ways with them in this life. But to this day they praise His holy name for the grace He has bestowed upon them. He has never forsaken them.

Herbert was killed in action in France on July 9, 1944. He leaves to mourn his early departure his beloved wife, Betty; his baby daughter, Bonnie, one year old; his mother, Mrs. Frank Kroeker; two brothers, James and Robert at home; one sister Alma, Mrs. Aaron Wall; one brother-in-law, Aaron Wall; one grandmother, and many relatives and friends. He attained the age of 23 years, 9 months, and 23 days.

The Lord hath given, the Lord hath taken, the name of the Lord be praised. It seems hard to understand these words at this time, but we trust in His all-wise dealings.

The memorial services were held in the Bethesda church, Henderson, Nebr., Aug. 10, in charge of Rev. A. W. Friesen, Rev John F. Epp and Rev. H D Epp spoke words of comfort to the bereaved family. The church was filled to near capacity. In the midst of an elaborate display of flowers, Herbert's picture was placed. The men's chorus under the direction of Elmer Friesen sang several appropriate selections.