Sara Kroeker (nee Giesbrecht)

Obituary

Sara was born to Abram and Anna Giesbrecht on June 2, 1929, in Plum Coulee Manitoba and passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, at the age of 95.

She is survived by her daughter Pat (David) Megrath, grandchildren Brandon (Alicia) Megrath, great-grandchildren: Hayes, Harrison and Harlow; and Brett (Samantha) Megrath; son Gordon (Linda) Kroeker, grandchildren Dayna Kroeker (Chad Connery), great-grandchild Morris; Kailey Kroeker; Myles Kroeker (Meagan Hill), daughter Heather (Stewart) Loewen, grandchildren Dawson (Kirsten) Loewen and Jenna (Levi) Burdette.

She was predeceased by her husband Norman in 2013, and her daughter Lauren in 2001.

The Giesbrecht family lived on a farm near Fannystelle before moving to Steinbach when Mom was 10. She attended school and claimed there were more than 50 children in her Grade 5 class. Incidentally, that same class formed the 29ers club and held many reunions over the years, the latest occurring in 2023 with 5 surviving students.

Mom left school after grade 8 in order to work as a maid in Winnipeg. She also travelled with her older sister Betty to work in a canning factory in Leamington, Ontario, among other jobs. It was at her employment at the Peter and Louise Kroeker farm in Linden, just down the road from this church, that Mom met Norman Kroeker. They were married in June of 1950 at the EMB Church in Steinbach (in a downpour Mom told us) and settled in Landmark. They both worked in Winnipeg while living in Landmark until purchasing the Landmark General Store, which they owned and operated together until 1979. We have memories of bagging groceries, filling shelves, sorting bottles and eating amazing banana bread and pies made from fruit too ripe to sell, but great for baking. Church and faith played a central part in their lives, and Mom was very involved in Cradle roll, sewing circle, food committee and other church activities. She continued to pray for all of us and many of you until her last days.

Mom loved to cook, bake and entertain, hosting many family gatherings over the years. Their residence in Landmark was home base for relatives travelling to Manitoba from Alberta and BC; they had the room and Mom liked to be in the center of the action! Not much changed for Mom in retirement except they had a little more time for travel. With children and grandchildren in the US, every year they pointed the trusty Buick southeast to visit Heather, Stewart, Dawson and Jenna in Georgia, and west to visit Pat, Dave, Brandon and Brett in Oregon. Almost every relative between Winnipeg and those destinations was paid a visit. Boxes of Motor League Trip Tiks were in their closet when they moved.

They moved to Steinbach in 2007, which was a big change for them. Mom really missed her big garden and house and Landmark neighbors. They grew to love their life lease on Stonebridge Crossing, where they had wonderful neighbors and friends. Norman passed away in 2013, and Mom lived on her own, volunteering at the MCC Thrift Shop, driving to Winnipeg to visit family, and to church in Landmark until her early 90’s. Her move to assisted living at Bridge Park Manor was also difficult, but it quickly became home. Her health deteriorated and a last move to Bethesda Place happened. Even there, following a drive around town and through the countryside, she would ask if she could have her Buick and freedom back.

Mom was a go getter. We love her and she will be missed.

The livestreamed funeral will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Prairie Rose E.M.C, 27093 MB-210, Landmark, MB.

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