Nettie Kroeker
(nee Unrau)
November 6, 1932 - April 25, 2025
It is with great sadness but also with rejoicing that we announce the peaceful passing of Nettie Kroeker (nee Unrau) at Foyer Notre Dame health centre Friday, April 25th, 2025.
She is survived by one son, Laurence (Evelyn) their three children and families, two daughters, Joyce (Walter) their three children and families, and Rosella (Ken) and their three children and family. Also survived by her youngest brother and four sisters-in-law.She was predeceased by her husband Tom Kroeker of 64 years (December 20/20), their first born, Gerald, December 21,1958 at ten days old, her parents Abram and Katharina Unrau, five sisters and four brothers.
Nettie was the third youngest of 10 siblings born on November 6th,1932 to Abram and Katharina Unrau on the farm southwest of Morden. She attended the Alexandria school from grade1- 8 and told her father that she wanted to get married and have children; therefore didn’t need to further her education to wash diapers. After quitting school she stayed home to work for her dad milking cows for 1/6th of the milk cheque till age 20 to then work at the hospital until she got married.
Mom met the love of her life at age 18 and dated for 5½ years till they married on October 21st,1956. It was long distance dating while dad went to work on the pipeline in Alberta from spring to fall.
We had many picnics and meals on the field as she supported dad during the busy harvest months and drove the combine. Mom also supported dad in the dairy until she turned 60. She always warned dad that she would retire from being the milk maid. She spent much time gardening and canning to provide for the family. Fresh baking was also necessary for her hospitality. Mom had a strong personality. You never had to doubt what she was thinking.
June 10,1981 mom was mauled by a bull and broke her neck. She was paralyzed and miraculously healed after 24 hours. Through difficulties in life she would pray, “God grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change, the COURAGE to change the things I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference”. Mom believed that God was faithful and that she could depend on Him.
Mom and dad both committed their lives to Christ at a camp meeting a couple of years into their marriage. Mom lived out her faith which was evident in her daily life, demonstrating her love of Christ through example and daily Bible reading and prayer. She prayed for her children and grandchildren that they would all come to know Him and follow Him. Mom and dad’s love and devotion to God and each other has been a great example to us children and grandchildren. They always held hands and never went anywhere without each other.
Mom and dad moved to Southpark Street in Morden in 1991 and retired in 1996 when their son took over the farm. This gave them more free time for friends including many game nights and going out for meals/coffee. They lived in Morden for 25 years till they moved to Garden Park estates in Winkler. Mom continued to live there until January of ‘24 when she survived two bouts of pneumonia and unable to live independently. Following a few transfers, she grew to love her home in Notre Dame. She was three days short of her transfer to Salem.
We as a family would like to thank all the Foyer staff for the exceptional love and care you have given mom.Thank you to Winkler Homecare for making it possible for Mom to stay at home as long as she could. Thanks to Kiley and staff at Wiebe a Funeral Home for your professional care and service. Thank you to Pastor Harry Siemens for officiating at her service.
(nee Unrau)
November 6, 1932 - April 25, 2025
It is with great sadness but also with rejoicing that we announce the peaceful passing of Nettie Kroeker (nee Unrau) at Foyer Notre Dame health centre Friday, April 25th, 2025.
She is survived by one son, Laurence (Evelyn) their three children and families, two daughters, Joyce (Walter) their three children and families, and Rosella (Ken) and their three children and family. Also survived by her youngest brother and four sisters-in-law.She was predeceased by her husband Tom Kroeker of 64 years (December 20/20), their first born, Gerald, December 21,1958 at ten days old, her parents Abram and Katharina Unrau, five sisters and four brothers.
Nettie was the third youngest of 10 siblings born on November 6th,1932 to Abram and Katharina Unrau on the farm southwest of Morden. She attended the Alexandria school from grade1- 8 and told her father that she wanted to get married and have children; therefore didn’t need to further her education to wash diapers. After quitting school she stayed home to work for her dad milking cows for 1/6th of the milk cheque till age 20 to then work at the hospital until she got married.
Mom met the love of her life at age 18 and dated for 5½ years till they married on October 21st,1956. It was long distance dating while dad went to work on the pipeline in Alberta from spring to fall.
We had many picnics and meals on the field as she supported dad during the busy harvest months and drove the combine. Mom also supported dad in the dairy until she turned 60. She always warned dad that she would retire from being the milk maid. She spent much time gardening and canning to provide for the family. Fresh baking was also necessary for her hospitality. Mom had a strong personality. You never had to doubt what she was thinking.
June 10,1981 mom was mauled by a bull and broke her neck. She was paralyzed and miraculously healed after 24 hours. Through difficulties in life she would pray, “God grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change, the COURAGE to change the things I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference”. Mom believed that God was faithful and that she could depend on Him.
Mom and dad both committed their lives to Christ at a camp meeting a couple of years into their marriage. Mom lived out her faith which was evident in her daily life, demonstrating her love of Christ through example and daily Bible reading and prayer. She prayed for her children and grandchildren that they would all come to know Him and follow Him. Mom and dad’s love and devotion to God and each other has been a great example to us children and grandchildren. They always held hands and never went anywhere without each other.
Mom and dad moved to Southpark Street in Morden in 1991 and retired in 1996 when their son took over the farm. This gave them more free time for friends including many game nights and going out for meals/coffee. They lived in Morden for 25 years till they moved to Garden Park estates in Winkler. Mom continued to live there until January of ‘24 when she survived two bouts of pneumonia and unable to live independently. Following a few transfers, she grew to love her home in Notre Dame. She was three days short of her transfer to Salem.
We as a family would like to thank all the Foyer staff for the exceptional love and care you have given mom.Thank you to Winkler Homecare for making it possible for Mom to stay at home as long as she could. Thanks to Kiley and staff at Wiebe a Funeral Home for your professional care and service. Thank you to Pastor Harry Siemens for officiating at her service.