Obituary of Anna Kroeker

The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.

Anna Kroeker (nee Driedger) was born on July 11, 1934, in a farmhouse in the village of Rheinland, north of Saskatoon. 

She left us, longingly awaiting her meeting Jesus on Friday, January 27th, 2023, after a two month stay at Rest Haven PCH, Steinbach, MB.

She was predeceased by her husband Jacob Arthur Kroeker, her daughter Valerie Joy Kroeker, her father Diedrich Driedger, her mother Kathrina (nee Wolf), and by 10 of her siblings.

She is survived by two sisters: Eva (John Wenzel) and Frieda Driedger, by her children Dennis (Hannah), Ray (Heather), Brenda (Pete) Thiessen, Dwight, and by 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Anna’s journaling notes indicate that God first touched her heart at the age of five, giving her a longing for righteousness that remained until she heard the gospel - which she eagerly embraced at the age of 12 at bible camp. Her desire to walk with God grew in the following years, giving her a burden to serve Him with her life. Anna’s longing to have a Christian husband was realized when she married Jacob Arthur (Art) Kroeker on November 16, 1952.

Art and Anna began their lives together in Winnipeg, where they started their family and also became a vital part of the ministry of Nassau Gospel Mennonite Church. They shared a passion to serve the Jesus they loved, and when an opportunity came to become part of a church-plant team in Aylmer in 1966, they obediently followed the Lord’s leading. This was a very significant move for them, and Anna found great fulfillment and joy in her involvement with the women’s ministry in the Aylmer church. Anna’s goal to make her life count for God’s work was seen again when an invitation came from Briercrest Schools in Caronport in 1977 for Art to join the staff there. Anna served faithfully in the salad bar at the college dining hall until her retirement. One of Anna’s most cherished adventures in life was her trip to the Holy Land with Art to celebrate their 45th anniversary, on a tour led by Dr. Henry Hildebrand. In the early years of their semi-retirement Art and Anna served for a number of winters with RVICS as they travelled south with their RV trailer to volunteer at various ministries. Anna’s treasured photo albums of those winters point to the special fulfillment she found in sharing in God’s kingdom work during those ministry trips. Art and Anna relocated to Steinbach for their retirement years. Jesus was seen in the life of Anna—a faithful and obedient servant of His, who pointed many to her Saviour by her dedication and devotion to the One who had laid claim on her life!

Anna will be remembered by her family and friends as someone who saw the fun and humour in life, and was always ready to plan a fun time for friends or family. Her infectious laugh was a constant source of inspiration to those who knew her and her willingness to laugh at herself reflected her genuine and humble spirit.  Nowhere was her fun-loving nature more evident than at the numerous annual “Kroeker Campouts” that she planned each summer for her children and grandchildren. There were countless times of unstoppable laughter in the hilarious activities she created, designed to provide imaginative, memorable fun. Jesus was seen in the life of Anna—a quick-to-smile, fun-loving person who so delightfully displayed the joy of Jesus!

Anna will also be remembered for her amazing creativity. She was the author of many original creations and designs beautifully displayed in her “Liquid Embroidery” paintings, oil paintings, ceramic projects, incredible creations with fruit and salads at the Briercrest dining hall, her inspiring interior decorating in the old house in Aylmer that she and Art brought back to life, her flower gardens, quilts made for her children and grandchildren, creative fun activities at the summer family campouts, and through her beautiful hand-made cards made with so much delight and pride. Anna was the creative planner for so many social events in the condo and in Bridgepark Manor, two of her Steinbach residences. Jesus was seen in the life of Anna—a creative treasure of His, who reflected the amazing and beautiful creative qualities of her best Friend!

Anna will be remembered by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as a fun-loving, caring, and godly woman, who had a warming and distinctive way of making every one of them feel uniquely special, loved, and most important. Every one of her family members experienced her individual delight in them and genuine interest in what was happening in their lives. Jesus was seen in the life of Anna—a person so filled with His love that spilled out to her family!

Anna will be remembered for her love for Jesus and for the scriptures. Her habit of consistent study of the bible and a daily commitment to hear the bible taught on “Back to the Bible” demonstrated her faithfulness to God and His Word. Anna so longed to see her precious Saviour, whom she had served with faithful devotion and consistent love. Anna’s missed opportunity to complete her education early in life, and her feelings of inferiority and inadequacy at times, were never a handicap in her effectiveness in God’s kingdom work. “Well-done, thou good and faithful servant”.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.