Harvey Kroeker passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Sunday, December 26th, at the age of 82. He had just recently moved (December 2nd) from the St. Adolphe Personal Care Home to be a resident of the Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach. Harvey is survived by his sisters Nettie (Frank Plett), Betty (Robert Hartman), and Florence (Harold Barg); also brothers Peter (Anna) and Erwin (Caroll). He is also survived by sisters-in-law Aurelia Kroeker and Gertie Dueck; also brother-in-law Peter Hiebert. Harvey was predeceased by his parents Peter D. and Sara Kroeker, sisters Marlene (Peter Hiebert) and Lydia (Dave Dueck); brother Menno (Aurelia) and brother-in-law Dave Dueck. Harvey never married. He grew up on the family farm about 3 miles from Steinbach and thoroughly enjoyed his elementary education at Clearspring School. Later he completed High School in Steinbach, attended Teacher’s College, and earned a B.A. at the University of Manitoba. He was an avid reader and acquired a library of approximately 6000 books, the bulk of which he happily donated to the Steinbach Bible College. His reading interests represented a wide range of subject matters including science, literature, nature study, geography, history and theology. As a young man, Harvey’s life was transformed by receiving Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized and received as a member of the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Steinbach. He thoroughly enjoyed his theological studies at Steinbach Bible Institute, now Steinbach Bible College. Throughout his teaching career, Harvey integrated Christian faith with his keen interest in God’s great creation. Later God directed him to become a pastor in several different Manitoba churches. Harvey was uniquely caring and compassionate – he often nurtured friendships with people who were lonely or suffered from adverse circumstances. His generous spirit, giving to those in need, persisted even if it meant duress to his financial resources. Yet Harvey would always manage to buy books, travel to new places, and purchase materials for another hobby. He passionately participated in games like chess and scrabble; he loved nature study, trained dogs and cared for them as pets; he enjoyed music, astronomy, research in history (especially biographies), food (stopped regularly for ice cream breaks), telling stories, debating(rigidly defending his point) and family gatherings. Harvey took great pleasure in Bible study, elaborating all the stories for the entertainment of children and adults. Harvey wrote articles for the Hanover Steinbach Historical Society (Preservings) and enjoyed taking school children on tours at Mennonite Heritage Village. After his stroke in June, 2009, Harvey’s body grew slowly weaker until he quietly slipped into eternity to rest in the loving arms of our eternal Lord. We as family will miss him dearly. The family would like to thank the staff at the Ste. Adolphe personal Care Home and the Rest Haven Nursing Home for their kind and loving care for Harvey. Also to all those who came to visit him, we give heartfelt thanks. The funeral service for Harvey will be held at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Drive, Steinbach, on Thursday, December 30th at 10:30 a.m. with viewing at one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evangelical Mennonite Conference Missions, 440 Main St.; Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 or a charity of your choice.