Kroeker Walter E. (1915-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Dec 1 p. 27

Birth date: 1915 Sep 2

text of obituary:

WALTER E. KROEKER

Walter E. Kroeker of Winnipeg passed away Sept. 1. He was born Sept. 2, 1915 to Abram and Elizabeth Kroeker in Winkler, Man. As a young man, he was baptized and joined Winkler MB Church. He attended Winkler Bible Institute, the University of Manitoba and the University of Minnesota. In 1936 he became a partner in the family farm of A.A. Kroeker & Sons, pioneering in the production of corn and seed potatoes. He married Madeline Ruth Epp May 30, 1940. For many years, he was president and chair of Kroeker Farms. In 1957 he was a founding director of Golden West Broadcasting, which operates several radio stations across the prairies, later serving as president for many years and then chair of the board. He helped launch the MB broadcast to Russia and the ZP-30 radio station in Paraguay. He was active in National Religious Broadcasters for many years. He was founding president of the Vegetable Growers' Association of Manitoba. He served for many years on the Canadian Horticultural Council, including serving as president in 1967 and as a member and chair of its Trade and Tariff Committee. He served on the International Trade Advisory Committee 1986- 88. He was appointed a member of the Order of Canada in 1989. This past summer, he was inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame. He worked for various church related entities such as Camp Arnes, Gospel Light Hour and Donwood Manor. He was interested in preserving the history of MBs, financing a number of books on MB history. He collected rare books and railroad watches. He was a fan of Samuel Johnson and became an authority on Webb Ball. He is mourned by Madeline; children Marlyce Swinnerton, Wally, Allan and Randy; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The memorial service was held Sept. 6 in Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg, with Keith Poysti ministering.