Obituary of Anneliese Kroeker

Our Mom and Granny, Anneliese (Penner) Kroeker was born on February 8, 1937 to Cornelius and Elizabeth (Dick) Penner in Curitiba, Brazil, the youngest of six children. After a few years, her family immigrated to Canada, settling in Kitchener, Ontario.

Her high school years were divided between Kitchener Waterloo Collegiate and Eden Christian College where she stayed in the dorm. She was a diligent employee, working first at Dare Biscuits, then later with her brother John at Mahar Shoes, and also at a dental office.

A certain young man from one of the families her parents socialized with, began coming over for frequent games of ping pong with her brothers. Soon it became clear that his real intention was to spend time with her! She married Menno Kroeker in September, 1958 at the Ottawa MB Church officiated by J.J. Toews.

God blessed them with two daughters, Gloria in December 1960 and Barbara in April 1964.

Together they settled in Virgil, Ontario. Moving from Kitchener was difficult for Mom but she embraced homemaking and entertained with style, going above and beyond to make every visitor feel special in her meticulously kept home. She found joy in sewing, crocheting, and baking, becoming well known for her delicious chiffon cakes.

For seventeen years, while Dad travelled with the Messengers Quartet, she faithfully kept the home fires burning, welcoming him home from his frequent tours. With excellence and wisdom, she cared for her family and home, always keeping an open door for visitors.

Her musical proficiency made her a truly great piano teacher. At times she taught as many as forty students, encouraging them all to succeed. She cared not only about how often they had practiced but about their well-being, connecting which each one on a personal level. Later in her music career she received her ARCT degree. A challenging accomplishment that she faced with her usual energy, diligence, and persistence.

To her beloved grandchildren, she was known as a playful, goofy and joyful Granny! Her favourite Bible verse which she kept on a fridge magnet was Matthew 6:34 “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.”

In the last several years, it became apparent that Mom’s health was declining. She went into LTC with dementia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Parkinson’s. When she contracted pneumonia, her body was too weak to recover and she peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

We have learned much from her and she will be missed greatly.

Mom is lovingly remembered by her husband Menno, daughters Gloria Kroeker and Barbara and Randy Boese, her grandchildren Maegan and Kevin Gregoire, Candice Boese, Graham and Rachel Boese, and great-grandchildren Tobias and Elowyn Boese.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

A service celebrating Anneliese’s life will be held at a later date. If desired, donations can be made to www.coldwatercanada.org