Elizabeth Kroeker

Elizabeth Fern Kroeker, 97, of Inola, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 in Chouteau, Oklahoma. She was born in Inola, Oklahoma (in the home) to Peter J. and Helena (Schmidt) Rempel on September 22, 1915. Elizabeth attended school at Pleasant View through the 8th grade. She began attending the Oklahoma Bible Academy (OBA) in Meno, Oklahoma, the same year her father passed away of flu. She finished out the year at school, but returned home to take care of the children of Ben and Anna M. Pankratz. She also took care of the children of John and Ella Voth. She started working in Tulsa for the Frank McMillin family, and the Guy Woodword family. She cooked and traveled with the family on vacations to New York and all the while she was corresponding with Frank Kroeker. She felt Frank was pretty onery but loved him just the same. Elizabeth married Frank on May 27, 1939. Frank had an egg route in Tulsa and lived in a farmhouse in Inola. A son, Henry Dean was born to Elizabeth and Frank while living in their country residence in 1943. They moved to Chouteau in 1945, where they had a store next door. In 1949, they bought a grocery and dry goods store from Guy Wisdom and started business on the main street of Chouteau where they remained in business until 1981. During that time Elizabeth and Frank were very involved with city improvements, supporting Chouteau Schools and the Republican Party. Elizabeth was a "Bellman Bell" in support of Gov. Henry Bellman, the first Republican Gov. of Oklahoma. A highlight was attending the inauguration Ball for Bellman. Frank had also served as Chair for Chouteau Commerce organization and was instrumental in helping to get our present Bank of Commerce in Chouteau. Elizabeth and Frank were members of Eden Mennonite Church in Inola, Oklahoma where Frank served as Treasurer several times. Elizabeth faithfully served on the church food committee, was active within the women's sewing circle, and also taught in Bible Schools and Kindergarten Sunday School for many years. Both Elizabeth and Frank's parents were Charter Members of the Eden Mennonite Church and Elizabeth's father Peter was a Deacon for the Church before he passed away. Frank took the job as Secretary of the MMA for this area and Elizabeth took many trips with Frank to attend meetings. Frank preceded her in death in August of 2003 and her son, Henry Dean in 2006. After Dean's death she moved in with her daughter-in-law Bonnie, in the house that she had started her marriage in with Frank in 1939. Her grandson, Karl and wife, Dr. Cheri Kroeker continues the legacy of helping the local community with the Kroeker Family Clinic in Chouteau, Oklahoma. Elizabeth was Aunt Elizabeth to many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Her biggest joy was cooking whether at Church for dinners, at home for Sunday meals, at Church Camps and for large community groups. She was an excellent cook and also loved to go to Quilting on Thursdays at the Church. She pieced many quilts in her younger days as did her mother before her. Family members have the results of her labor displayed on their beds to remind them of her love for them. She is survived by her grandson, Karl and wife, Dr. Cheri Kroeker of Chouteau, OK; granddaughter, Karenza Elizabeth Kroeker and husband, Neil Ray Yoder; her daughter-in-law, Bonnie Kroeker; great grandchildren, Kaleb Dean and Kira Beth; brother, John P. Rempel; sister, Mary Ann Rempel Funk; Many other relatives and friends. She was preceded by her husband, Frank; her parents, Peter and Helena Rempel; her son, Henry Dean Kroeker; siblings, Jacob Rempel, Ella Rempel Voth, Herbert Rempel, Paul Rempel, Helena Rempel, Anna Rempel and Frieda Rempel Inns. Funeral Services for Elizabeth will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 10 a.m. in the Eden Mennonite Church in Inola, Oklahoma with Pastor David Weens officiating. Interment will be in the Eden Cemetery with Karl Kroeker, Greg Pankratz, Neil Yoder, Rodney Jantz, Chris Hardy and Grant Pankratz serving as casket bearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. To leave a personal message to her family please see her book of memories at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral Cremation Service.

Previous Events

Cemetery Details