Kroeker, Nicholas Henry (1931-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1991 Jan 25 p. 27

Birth date: 1931

text of obituary:

NICHOLAS HENRY KROEKER

Nicholas Henry Kroeker of Kelowna, B.C. passed away suddenly Oct. 28. He was born Dec. 28, 1931 to Henry and Maria Kroeker in Coaldale, Alta. Here he decided to make Christ Lord of his life and was baptized in 1947. In January, 1946 the family moved to a dairy farm in Chilliwack, B.C . After high school, he attended Bible school and then completed teacher training in 1953. In 1954 he married Gertrude Nachtigal. He taught in Hope, B.C. for two years. Then they moved to Kelowna, where he served for 32 years as a teacher and administrator with Kelowna School District. He found enjoyment, self-satisfaction and success in his career and earned the respect and friendship of colleagues. He participated in church life with enthusiasm, serving as Sunday school teacher, camp counsellor, youth worker and church treasurer at Willow Park Church in Kelowna. The compassion and practical caring that was so much a part of their lives led him and Gertie into the diaconate. After retirement in 1988, he became associate pastor for caring ministries. He enjoyed hiking, camping and fishing; he found fishing a special time for developing relationships with family and friends. Predeceased by his mother in 1950, father in 1984 and 3 siblings, he is mourned by his wife; daughter Gwen Dick; sons Doug, Gerry, Jeff and Tim; 4 grandchildren; his stepmother Olga; 5 sisters and 9 brothers. The funeral was Oct. 31 in Willow Park Church, with Ed Boschman and Herb Brandt ministering.