Pete Kroeker
Obituary
Peter Kroeker of Grunthal, MB., passed unexpectedly at the age of 61, from Covid-19 complications on Friday, June 18, 2021, in the ICU at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, MB.
He is survived by his beloved wife Kathy, siblings, and many children and grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents (Wally & Martha) and his first wife Gloria.
Pete was born in Winnipeg on June 3, 1960. He was raised on a farm in Elm Creek where his love for farming began. Pete had many siblings including six sisters (Ruth, Margaret, Lisa, Joanne, Lori, Irene) and one brother (Wally). His dad became a pastor and his entire family moved to various places following God’s call. Pete grew up knowing Jesus as his personal Saviour and his faith was important in his life from an early age. He graduated high school in 1978 at Mennonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford, BC.
After graduating, he moved back to Winnipeg to pursue an agriculture degree at the University of Manitoba. It was here that he met Gloria Kehler at Fort Garry MB Church. They married on July 20, 1985 and had two children, Amanda and Lauren. They moved around Southern Manitoba before settling in Stonewall in the year 2000. As a family they enjoyed sailing, canoe trips, music, sports, vacations to Mexico, and being active in their church community. Pete was a man of many hobbies: hunting, kiteboarding, training horses, driving his Bronco, and cheering on his favourite sports teams. He had a diverse work experience including truck driving and working on farms.
Pete and Gloria celebrated the marriages of their son Lauren to Stephanie (2013) and their daughter Amanda to Jordan (2014). His wife Gloria tragically passed in 2017. During the process of grieving, his faith and trust in Jesus carried him through. He created a worship playlist and took great comfort in how the Holy Spirit would speak to him through the songs. He developed an interest in the practice of Spiritual Direction and started taking courses. During this time, he met and fell in love with Kathy Neufeld. Within a few months of meeting, they were engaged and despite the difficult restrictions of the pandemic, were joyously united in marriage surrounded by 50 family and close friends on June 13, 2020.
Pete moved to Grunthal, MB and gained many children, Rick (Heather), Kendall (April), Kevin (Breanne), Brendan, Sadie, Teanna, Harmony, and nine grandchildren. In the past year, Dad enjoyed getting to know his new family, building RC planes, and working with his friend Tim Penner on the truck again.
On May 27, Pete tested positive for Covid-19 and was hospitalized shortly after. He was transferred to the St. Boniface ICU and after two weeks it was determined his lungs had suffered irreparable damage. He passed peacefully on June 18 with Kathy, Amanda, and Lauren by his side.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at St. Boniface Hospital specifically those involved with Pete’s care including 6th floor and ICMS medical staff. We also want to thank all of the people who prayed for Pete and the family over the past weeks.
Pete was a gentle giant. He gave the best bear hugs and had a laugh that could be heard for miles. He often intimidated people on their first impression until they saw his genuine love for God and others and they realized he was actually just a big teddy bear. He was a father figure to many and invested deeply in the lives of his family and friends. He always wanted to make sure that his home was a safe place for all who entered. He will be missed by so many. We are comforted to know that he is now most fully alive with his friend and Saviour Jesus.
A public come and go viewing will take place on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB., with Covid restrictions in place.
You are invite to join the family via Livestream on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. for a celebration of life service.
