Kroeker, Herman (1923-2001)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 2001 Nov 23 p. 24

Birth date: 1923 Mar 21

text of obituary:

HERMAN KROEKER

Herman Kroeker of St. Catharines, Ont. passed away Oct. 8. He was born Mar, 30, 1923 to Jake and Maria Kroeker in Taurida, Russia. In 1925 the family immigrated to Drake, Sask. He was born again in March 1938 through a message on Matt, 7:13-14 on the Haven of Rest radio program. In 1940 the family moved to the Niagara area of Ontario. He was baptized July 5, 1942 and joined Virgil (Ont.) MB Church. He married Irene Gossen Jan. 6, 1945, He graduated from Prairie Bible Institute. He, with Irene, served Eden Christian College as administrator, dorm parents and janitor, He was director of the radio broadcast Moments of Blessing on CHVC (Niagara Falls). He and Irene pastored Christian Fellowship Chapel near Orillia, Ont. 1957-67 and continued in radio ministry on CFOR (Orillia) and CKEY (Lindsay). He pastored Mountview MB Church, Stoney Creek, Ont. 1967-73, Orchard Park Bible Church, Niagara-on- the-Lake, Ont. 1973- 79 and Komoka (Ont.) Community Church 1979-86. In 1985 he and Irene visited daughter Janet and Dave Bonney on the mission field in Indonesia, In 1986 they accepted a call to pastor Carrot River (Sask,) Gospel Mission. After retiring to Niagara-on-the-Lake, they served interim pastorates Stoney Creek and Orillia. Using many of the messages from his radio ministry, he published A Lift for Living, a book of daily devotions, in 1996. In retirement, he continued to preach and taught in Sunday school and a "Focus55" group at Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines. His love for Jesus was evident in his character, passions, ministry and dedication to the spiritual wellbeing of others. He had a gentle spirit and a soft tone with people. Tears came easily to him without embarrassment, including tears of laughter. His favourite Scripture was 1 Peter 1:8. Predeceased by 1 brother, 1 sister and 1 grandson, he is mourned by Irene; children Cliff, Kenn, Sharon Tebbutt, Janet Bonney and Joan Tompkins; 13 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 2 sisters. The funeral was Oct. 11 in Fairview MB Church, with Waldo Pauls ministering.