KROEKER, Henry
August 2, 1916 ~ October 16, 2013
After a rich, full life of 97 years, Henry Kroeker passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2013. Henry is remembered with love and affection by his sisters Elizabeth and Anne (Paul), his children Betty (Alex), Joanne (Dick), Dorothy (Joe), Wayne (Gerry), his grandchildren Pam (Graham), Jennifer (Juergen), Chris (Antoinette), Greg, Janice (Grant), Patrick, Andrea (Kevin), Brent (Mandy), Lesley and Darren, his great grandchildren Adison and Emilia, and his closest friend and companion Doris Jensen.
To capture Henry’s life is to tell a story of hard work, eternal optimism and the love for his family. Henry was born in Alexanderkrone, Russia in 1916 and immigrated to Canada in 1928. In Coaldale, he was required to leave school after a few short years to work in agriculture to help support his family. This experience developed his love of farming. With his wife Lydia and young family, he settled in Skiff and turned a piece of prairie into a successful grain farm. He worked tirelessly to ensure that his family had a better life. He also developed a strong commitment to volunteerism in his work with the Canadian Red Cross, the Coaldale Mennonite Church, The Kinsmen and Rotary Clubs of Coaldale. On his retirement, he and Lydia enjoyed travelling and revelled in visits from children and grandchildren. Following Lydia’s death in 1979, he spent many enjoyable winters in Arizona. Henry spent the past few years in Black Rock Terrace and enjoyed quiet times and companionship with his special friend Doris, visits from family and occasional trips to check on the crops in Skiff. He will be missed.
Our family would like to acknowledge all those who have been a part of Henry’s life and would like to sincerely thank the staff at Black Rock Terrace, Lethbridge Heart Function Clinic and Dr. E.P. Janzen.
A celebration of Henry’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.