ERDMAN (ED) KROEKER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ERDMAN (ED) KROEKER Erdman (Ed) Kroeker passed away at the Concordia Hospital on June 8, 2014 at the age of 84 years. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children James (Beverly), Bob (Elizabeth), Randall (Louise), Stanley (Charlotte), Garth (Lori). Grandchildren: Nathan (Sharna), Nelson (MaryAnne), Kristen (Cameron), Benson (KateLynn), Daniel (Joanna), Bryan (Breanne), Hannah, Andrea, Jennifer (Andrew), Zachary, Alexander, Jeremy (Sarah), Julian, Aaron, Thomas; great-grandchildren: Peter, Rose, Eli, Grant, Margaret; his sister, Alvena Easom (Donald). He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Verna Bergen; brothers-in-law, Ervine Dyck (Barbara), Alvin Dyck (Martha). He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Katherine (Unrau) Kroeker, parents-in-law, Daniel and Mary (Wiebe) (Berg) Dyck, brother Ben Kroeker, sister-in-law Geraldine Kroeker, brother-in-law, Abe Bergen. Ed was born on February 2, 1930 near Clearwater, Manitoba to Peter and Katherine (Unrau) Kroeker. In 1932 the family moved to a farm near Lowe Farm where he attended a one-room country school for grades one to eight, and then went on to high school in Lowe Farm. After graduating from grade 12 and then the Provincial Normal School (Teacher's College), he taught at Kane and Winkler, before spending five years teaching in a one-room country school. He always maintained that these years of teaching at Pleasant Valley were the best years of his teaching career. For the next two years he taught in a three room school near Rosenort, and from there he moved on to teach in Assiniboine South School division (Charleswood). Here Ed taught or was in administration for a period of 24 years. During these years he attended evening and summer school classes and graduated with a B.A. and a B. Ed. Degree from the University of Manitoba. In 1953, Ed married Joyce Dyck and by 2014 their family had grown to include five sons and their spouses; 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In 1983, Ed had heart valve replacement surgery, and after teaching for two more years, due to health issues, he decided to take early retirement. This required an adjustment to a different lifestyle. Now he had time to pursue his interest in woodworking, restoring furniture, building new furniture and doing finish carpentry. Ed served in many capacities at Bethel Mennonite Church. In his terms as a deacon, he and Joyce formed many lasting friendships, which they treasure to this day. We all knew Ed as a quiet, gentle man, but his love of family and friends was always evident in his friendly smiles and greetings. He cared deeply for Joyce, and for his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. We all have very special memories and will treasure them forever. Rest in peace, dear Ed. Funeral service Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford Street, with viewing prior to the service. Interment to follow in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family would like to thank the medical staff and the nurses at the Concordia Hospital, Orthopedics, for their compassionate care of our dad, and for the love and kind consideration shown to us and our mother. Ed was well cared for by Dr. Al Schroeder and Dr. John Rabson for many years and for that we are deeply grateful. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations, in Ed's memory, be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Publish Date: Jun 14, 2014

ERDMAN (ED) KROEKER Erdman Ed' Kroeker, born February 2, 1930, died peacefully in his sleep at Concordia Hospital on Sunday, June 8, 2014. Funeral arrangements are pending. A longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Jun 10, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2014