Obituary of Jake Herby Kroeker
Jake Herby Kroeker was born on October 25, 1938 on the SE 8-50-14 W3 in the RM of
Medstead 497. He passed away at Battleford District Care Center on May 29, 2024 at
the age of 85.
He is survived by his loving wife Fern of 58 years, his three children Kim (Al)
VanCaeseele of Indian Head, SK and their children Teagan (Conrad), Kennedy (Carter),
Kirby (Shawna) Kroeker of Medstead, SK and their children Taylor (Bailey), Tristan
(Kendra), Jaelyn (Tyler): Donnalea (Don) Ferguson of Spruce Grove, AB and their
children Alexandra (Dylan), Aubrey (Eric) and Will.
Jake is survived by his two sisters Betty (Walden) Warkentin of Warroad, MN and Mary
(Jim) Cameron of Big River, SK.
He was predeceased by his mother and father Annie and Peter Kroeker, his sister Helen
(Henry) Braun, his brother Pete (Marie) Kroeker, and his sister Margaret Friesen.
Over the course of his life he worked on the family farm, in the construction industry in
Edmonton and the Arctic, the Medstead Creamery as well as an apprentice with Houle’s
Electric. He worked hard to save up enough money to allow him to follow his passion -
which was to own a farm of his own.
Behind dad’s rugged exterior was a man who enjoyed the simple joys of life. He loved to
go camping and fishing - spending hours with family and friends around a campfire. He
loved to play all kinds of sports - like golfing, playing softball, hockey and curling. He
loved to play any kind of card game, and spent many evenings at the Medstead Leisure
Life center shooting pool.
Jake was always ready to lend a helping hand. His love and pride of community were
evident in every project, and he lent a helping hand to neighbors in need. He volunteered
countless hours building the Medstead arena - spent many evening and weekend as a
hockey coach and hockey referee.
Jake did not see the need to leave the community he loved. But he would eventually find
joy in travel with his wife, Fern. They spent several winters in Yuma, holidays to Hawaii,
Phoenix, an Alaskan cruise and Las Vegas. They traveled to BC almost every summer to
visit family and friends.
His love for his wife, his pride in his children and grandchildren were the true treasures
he cherished. Family, community, and the farm were his greatest joys in life. He will be
greatly missed by all.
A celebration of life was held on Friday, June 7th, 2024 in the Medstead Community Hall at 2pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Kidney Foundation, and Diabetes Association
Family and friends wishing to send on line condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Beau"Lac" Funeral Home and Crematorium. Delores Beaulac, Funeral Director, Spiritwood (306)306-883-3500
