FRANK K. KROEKER

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FRANK K. KROEKER Frank K. Kroeker of Rosenort was born October 1, 1920. He grew up on a farm in a family with 15 siblings. Upon the confession of his faith, his Uncle Jacob B. Kroeker baptized him on July 2, 1939 in the Rosenort Kleinegemeinde Church (Now the Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite Conference). He was married to Annie Eidse on October 1, 1944. They shared their celebration with Pete and Mary Friesen, Annies twin sister. Due to lung infection and congestive heart failure, Dads health deteriorated the last six years. He had many surgeries and suffered very quietly and in an uncomplaining manner. He died peacefully, Friday, May 3, 2002 in Morris Palliative Care Unit. We would like to thank his long-standing physician Dr. Blouw and his wife Penny, Dr. Fraser and the Morris nursing staff for the excellent care they gave Dad the last seven weeks that he was there. In the early 1950s Dad left farming and pursued a career in carpentry. Dad is remembered for his generosity, prayers and quiet consistent faith walk. No matter what it was, quality was always important to him. He believed that quality saves money. His business name Quality Builders reflected his workmanship. Mom and Dad modeled a solid marriage. Together they taught us Christian principles and values. Dad always strove to be a man of his word. It was important to him that workers be punctual. Sometimes, he hired workers to help them out in their financial needs at his own personal loss. Dad loved to play games, teaching us competition, always-modeling good sportsmanship. He played to win! You had to abide by his rules and if tension mounted, Dad would say, "Its only a game!" He was always available to play rook, even in the midst of doing the books for Quality Builders. In 1962 we got a radio. Prior to this, Dad would sing and whistle, especially Sunday mornings. Mom and Dad went through tough times. Clarice was born July 1, 1962 and died December 25 of that same year at six months of age due to spinal meningitis. Laura died of viral pneumonia December 26 in 1980 at the age of 20. She was a diabetic and a celiac. The lives and death of their two daughters strengthened their marriage and became a positive testimony within the family and community. Dad taught us to give generously, tithing plus, if possible. When you get a check, the first thing you do is to give to the Lord what belongs to Him. Dad enjoyed cooking and grocery shopping. This was a big help to Mom, especially in the later years when they did this together. When still at home, we his daughters would bake, and if something didnt turn out, his famous line was, "Try it again soon so you learn from your mistake!" And then to our horror, each of us, including him, had to eat a portion of the flop! Mom and Dad taught us independence and responsibility. We all got our Saturday jobs to do. They were divided and rotated weekly. Sunday dinner we would sit and visit till whenever. We always had breakfast together as a family. We often grumbled at having to get up so early, but now we value the family time we shared. Thats where he lay the foundation of our Bible teaching from Egermeirs Bible story book that he read to us every morning when we were children. Dad was a confidential person. He was a man of few words. Sometimes this was frustrating, but if you could wait it out, he gave wise counsel. Sometimes he needed a mediator like Mom to communicate to us. Dad was "stehl and peenich" (quiet and busy) That was part of his character. He took his time and got the job done right. Dad didnt waste his energy on the job. He might have appeared slow but he got the same amount done as those who moved quickly. He taught us good work ethics. An honest days work deserves an honest days pay. Dad taught us that our presence at Church is very significant. Attendance at brotherhood meetings was very important to him. We believe that all these years Mom and Dad have modeled their belief of Heaven, the reality of hell and the power of prayer. May we embrace these truths and pass on this legacy to those we influence. The Family Predeceased by his two daughters, Laura and Clarice. Survived by his loving wife Annie Kroeker; his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Irene Kroeker, Rick and Lavina Kroeker, Derek and Shauna; Allison, Emily, and David, Jonathon and Michelle; Madeline, Steven, Timothy, Della and Doug Davis, Joanne and Rudy Brandt, Justin, Joel and Kevin, Karen and Rick Friesen, Graham, Matthew and James, Cal and Kim Kroeker, Michael, Erin and Megan, Dan and Connie Kroeker, Darrel, Alecia, Jeremy, Christopher, Katrina, Samantha and Seldon Churchill. Funeral service will be held on Monday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite Church in Rosenort. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 05, 2002