ELNORA KROEKER

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ELNORA KROEKER April 26, 1927 - May 10, 2016 It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mother at the Arborg Hospital in Arborg, MB. She is survived by her children: Allan and his wife Bernice, Norma and her husband Albert Doerksen, Denver and his wife Elvira, Marlene and her husband Don Bodnarus; as well as 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, her foster son Reg Mooney and his family. She was predeceased by her loving husband Arno, her sisters Anita Penner and Evelyn Giesbrecht, her brother Henry Penner, her brothers-in-law: John Barkman, Peter Loewen, Vernon Kroeker, Norman Kroeker, Harold Hildebrand and sisters-in-law: Anna Kroeker and Tina Kroeker. Mom and Dad were married on June 14, 1947, at the Prairie Rose EMC Church in Landmark, MB. During the first few years of their marriage, in addition to farming, they spent the winters in the bush camps at National Mills. This was followed by Dad trucking for many years. At one point he owned 15 highway trucks and employed 25 drivers and Mom was busy doing the bookkeeping and running the household. In 1976, Dad wanted a change from trucking so they bought a turkey farm and moved to Arborg. Mom and Dad were business partners, Dad farmed and Mom did the bookkeeping. Shortly after they moved to Arborg, Mom started a Sunday school which grew into Arborg Christian Fellowship. Mom and Dad and three other couples were the founding members. Mom's faith was her anchor and she was a pillar in the church. Her love for Jesus was evident in all she did. She shared Jesus with her own children and grandchildren. She reached many others in the community through Friendship Bible Coffee and Christian Women's Club. One of Mom's greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she loved with all her heart. She was always interested in their sports, music, and school activities and was proud of their accomplishments. Mom enjoyed traveling with Dad. A highlight for her was their trip to Israel and the Holy land. Another exciting vacation was the trip to visit Denver and Elvira in Chad, Africa, when they were air lifted to France during the Chadian civil war. Mom and Dad also enjoyed visiting Allan and Bernice two times in Germany. Mom enjoyed numerous family camping trips and never missed a Hnausa Park Penner gathering on Lake Winnipeg, setting up their camper in the family circle. In Oct 1999, Mom and Dad moved off the farm to their newly built home in the town of Arborg. Mom enjoyed hosting many family gatherings and we have wonderful memories of sitting around her dinner table. In the fall of 2003, Mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In 2005, she lost the love of her life when Dad passed away. In August of 2010, Mom's home life changed when Don, Marlene, Bryce and Shannon moved into her home. They loved their time together until Mom moved into the Arborg Personal Care Home in September 2014. As a family we enjoyed getting her room at the PCH decorated for her and she was always proud of it. Mom's positive attitude and resilience shone through at this life stage as well. We have learned so much from our Mom and her life attitudes. Her heart was overflowing with happiness, love and family. We miss you Mom. The funeral service will be held on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Arborg Christian Fellowship Church, Arborg, MB. Viewing prior to the service. A Committal and Fellowship service will take place on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairie Rose EMC Cemetery, Landmark, MB. Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2016