Obituary
It is with deep sadness that the family of Robert Kroening announce his passing on September 11th, 2021, at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre, less than two weeks before his 89th birthday. Bob is predeceased by his wife Carrie; parents Bertha and Emil; 15 of his siblings; and many other relatives and friends. He is lovingly remembered by his children Kim (Margaret) Kroening, Tami (late Jerry Gartner) Scott Gartner, Debra (Keith) Stebner, and Michael (Colette) Kroening; 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; sister June Whitman; brother-in-law Ken Kraft; sister-in-law Marilynn (Wayne) McGarvey; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Bob was born on September 23rd, 1932 in Ponoka, to parents, Bertha and Emil Kroening. He was the youngest of their 17 children and grew up on the family farmstead near Menaik.
He was married to Carrie Kraft on November 26th, 1955, in Ponoka, and they celebrated 65 years of marriage before her passing in September, 2020. They purchased a partially completed house in Riverside and completed construction by himself, digging out the basement by hand (and then again hand-digging out a workshop area when in his 80’s).
Bob attended SAIT and became a Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker in June of 1960. He apprenticed with Cecil Lyon of Lyon Lea Sheet Metal, eventually purchasing the business together with three partners. Ponoka Sheet Metal served the Ponoka area for many years with Bob retiring in the early 1990’s. Bob not only installed and serviced furnaces, he could manufacture just about anything out of metal for local farmers and anyone who needed it. Bob was known for his ability to build or fix anything. He could rebuild a car, make furniture and cabinets, fix your plumbing or put an addition onto a house.
Bob and Carrie were avid gardeners, and also enjoyed fishing, camping, and hiking all over the Canadian Rockies. They also enjoyed spending time out at the family lot on Red Deer Lake with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. There, Bob planted many trees and crafted the dozens of bird houses that line the long driveway.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private memorial for both Bob and Carrie is being held on September 24th.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donation in Bob’s name can be made to any charity of your choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Kroening, please visit our floral store.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Robert Kroening September 23 1932 September 11 2021 (age 88)..
Décès pour la Ville: Wetaskiwin, Province: Alberta