Obituary of Stefanie Friedlinde Kroeker

On June 1, 2021, Stefanie Friedlinde Kroeker, beloved mother and Oma, passed peacefully to be reunited with the love of her life, Abram. Family left behind to celebrate her legacy are her children Harrald (Lorri) and Inge (Dan); her precious grandchildren Megan (Kevin), Whitney (Brandon), Spencer (Lucy) and Alex (Ava); and dear sisters-in-laws Aenny (Bruno) and Susanne (Nick). We know she is surrounded by love, as she was predeceased by her parents Franziska and Joseph; sisters Maria (Harry), Ingeborg; and brother Joseph (aka Pepe); and her many dear brothers and sisters-in-law. Stefanie was born on December 13, 1927 in Klagenfurt, Austria. She enjoyed her early childhood, spending time on her father’s small farm. While enduring the fears of WWII, she and her two older sisters were met with much family tragedy. In 1942, at the tender age of 14, her mother suddenly died. In 1944, her brother was a war casualty at the age of 18 years and in 1945, her father passed suddenly. Joy broke through this sorrow when Stefanie met Abram in 1946. She was smitten by his handsome looks and thoroughly entertained by his polite, talkative nature. They enjoyed going to dances, motorcycle riding in the mountains and just spending time together. After dating for almost two years, they got married on November 15, 1947. They loved spending time with her nephews George and Horst. As a young boy, Horst lived with Stefanie and Abram and they loved him as their own. In 1956, Stefanie and Abram made the decision to immigrate to Canada. They settled in Winnipeg where Abram’s parents had immigrated, along with his brothers and sisters. Stefanie taught herself English by reading the daily newspaper and became known as a ferocious novel reader. Stefanie was an eternal optimist, inspiring those she loved to live a life of gratitude. She was a strong, independent woman who cultivated a career that lasted over 30 years, working her way up to Supervisor of the Sewing Division within the Linen Department at the Health Sciences Centre. She was passionate about her work and did not join Abram in retirement until she was 70 years old. Tragedy struck Stefanie’s life again when her husband of 57 years, Abram, passed away on December 28, 2004. She missed him profoundly, but found strength to go on through the love of her grandchildren and knowing that she would one day be reunited with him. Stefanie lived for her family. She made sure her children grew up knowing that they were forever loved and cherished. She and Abram raised their kids to know and love God Our Heavenly Father, Jesus our Lord and Saviour and the Holy Spirit. When they were blessed with four grandchildren, they continued to pour their love onto them, filling their childhoods with storytelling, adventures at the cottage at Lester Beach, sleepovers, video game tournaments, candy days and much more. “I am home in Heaven, dear ones; All’s so happy, all’s so bright! There’s perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light. All the pain and grief are over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last.” - Unknown, Safely Home