NORMAN KROEKER

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NORMAN KROEKER Norman Kroeker passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, in the early hours of November 29, 2013, at the age of 85. Norman Kroeker was born on February 16, 1928 in Ile des Chenes, Manitoba, and grew up on the family farm in Linden. Norman attended school in Linden, leaving after Grade 8 to work on the farm. He worked at Manitoba Sugar for a few winters and then full time at Bridge and Tank in Winnipeg. During that time he met Sara Giesbrecht, who worked in the area. In the winter, he would hitch up the cutter, pick up Sara and they would go skating with friends at the local ice rink. They were married in June of 1950, residing in Winnipeg for a few months before moving into their first home, a spacious three room, 320 square feet bungalow next to Norman's parents. In 1957 the decision was made to purchase the Landmark General Store. Several years later Dad was appointed postmaster, and in 1964 a new store was built. During this time, Dad was involved in the Chamber of Commerce, was secretary of Landmark Waterworks and the Church Business Committee. The store was sold in 1976, and Dad took a year off to travel, work on his beloved yard, build a shed, and generally drive Mom crazy. He started work with Landmark Agro in 1977 as accountant and office manager and continued there until retiring at age 66. Dad loved to drive, which was fortunate, as he had daughters in Oregon, Georgia, and Toronto and made countless trips into Winnipeg to visit and watch the grandchildren's activities. They drove to each of these destinations almost every year (including a trip to the West coast this past summer), taking in sights along the way. Faith and family were very important to him; they were the foundation for how he lived his life. He was an active member of the EMC Church in Landmark, serving as an usher and in various committees over the years and reading through the whole Bible at least 25 times. Dad was a man of integrity; he treated people fairly and with respect providing a godly example and a stable and loving home for his family. Thank you Dad for a life well lived! Norman Kroeker is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sara; his daughter Pat and husband Dave Megrath, and their children Brandon and Brett; his son Gord, and his children Dayna, Kailey and Myles; his daughter Heather and her husband Stewart, and their children Dawson and Jenna. He was predeceased by his daughter Lauren Kroeker in 2001. Funeral service for Norman Kroeker will be held on Thursday, December 5, at 2:00 p.m., at Prairie Rose Evangelical Mennonite Church in Landmark, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. There will be a viewing and devotional at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Those who wish can make a donation in memory of Norman to EMC Missions, 440 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 03, 2013