WALTER EDWIN KROEKER

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WALTER EDWIN KROEKER September 2, 1915 - September 1, 2000 On Friday, September 1, with family members at his side, Walter Kroeker died and went to be with his Lord and Saviour. He will be lovingly remembered by Madeline, his wife of 60 years; four children and those they brought into the family: Marlyce and husband Peter Swinnerton; Wally and wife Millie; Allan and wife Karen Iverson; Karin Regehr; Randy and wife Lorraine Regehr; seven grandchildren, Scott (Donna Labun), Joel (Catherine Bargen), Jonathan, Matthew (Tara), Paul, Sasha, Tanya and three great-grandchildren, Anna, Jordan and Micah. He is also survived by brothers and sisters, Alfred (Margaret), Mary (Ernie Kroeger), sister-in-law Emily, Peter (Ruth) Loreen (Bill Redekop), Viola (Bill Bock), Donald (Eileen), Betty (Willard Thiessen) and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by brother Edwin in 1999. Walter was born at Winkler, Man., on September 2, 1915 to Abram and Elizabeth Kroeker. He attended Winkler Bible School, the University of Manitoba and the University of Minnesota. He married Madeline Epp on May 30, 1940. In 1936 he became a partner in the family farm of A.A. Kroeker and Sons. They were pioneers in the production of corn and seed potatoes in Southern Manitoba. For many years he was president and later chairman. In 1957 he was a founding director of what is now Golden West Broadcasting Ltd., which operated CFAM and several other radio stations across the prairies, later serving as president and chairman. In 1960 he was one of the founding directors of CJAY (later CKY-TV). He very much enjoyed his involvements in broadcasting, including the opportunity to help launch the ZP-30 radio station in Paraguay, as well as many years of activity in National Religious Broadcasters. Walter was very active in agricultural, horticultural, marketing and trade organizations and water resource conservation. He held leadership roles in the Vegetable Growers Association of Manitoba and the Manitoba Vegetable Producers Marketing Board. He served for many years on the Canadian Horticultural Council, and was given an Honorary Life Membership. He was considered a leader in tariff matters and served on the International Trade Advisory Committee. For many years he was a member of the St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation. Walter was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1989. This summer he was inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame. He enjoyed collecting railroad watches and rare books and was a particular fan of the work of Samuel Johnson. He was a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church and served on many denominational boards. He took particular interest in the history of the Mennonite Brethren Conference and sponsored several historical publications. He loved classical music, poetry, punctuality and his family. He was committed to public service, and valued accomplishment more than recognition. A celebration of Walters life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 6 at the Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church, 145 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg. Interment to follow at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Viewing on Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson Hwy. and at the church prior to the service. The family expresses thanks to all those faithful healthcare professionals who sought to ease Walters journey in his final years.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 03, 2000