Obituary of Manfred Kroeze

The Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Manitoba, with time of fellowship following the service. To join the family via livestream, click HERE prior to the service. 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our dad, opa, brother, and uncle; Manfred Kroeze on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at his residence in Kleefeld, MB.

Manfred Kroeze was born in Herbson, Germany on March 1, 1950, to his parents Mans Kroeze and his mother Erika (Teichel) Kroeze.        

The Kroeze family immigrated to Canada in 1951, and first settled on the Schwartz homestead near Seaton. Within a year, Manfred’s parents purchased their family farm in Kleefeld. The family farm was a busy place where Manfred and his siblings worked hard caring for and harvesting produce that was sold in grocery stores in Steinbach. The Kroeze family strawberry patch produced an abundance of berries that were enjoyed by many friends, relatives, and community members from the Kleefeld area.

Manfred attended school in Kleefeld. His greatest passion as a young boy was playing hockey for his hometown team in Kleefeld. As a young man he also played hockey in Grunthal.

Manfred began work in the construction industry at an early age. He established a strong work ethic and was determined to forge a path of his own in the industry. Manfred became very well known in the construction industry as he worked hard to establish Kroeze Roofing, almost 50 years ago. Over the last 40+ years, Manfred also built up a strong customer base with his firewood business. He established many new and life-long friendships based on the people he met either through roofing or selling firewood.

Manfred will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his two daughters Joleen Kroeze-Gerbrandt (Landin) and their sons Grayson and Maddox. Daughter Desiree Kroeze (Tyrone Laing) and their children Hailee, Keanna and Jack. 

Manfred also leaves to mourn his two sisters: Gerda Schinkel and Rose (Danny) Dyck, along with multiple nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Mans and Erika Kroeze, brother; Albert, brother-in-law; Orville Schinkel and son-in-law; Abe Krahn. 

The Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, Manitoba, with time of fellowship following the service. To join the family via livestream, click HERE prior to the service. 

“LIFE WELL LIVED”

A life well lived is a precious gift,

of hope and strength and grace,

from someone who has made our world

a brighter, better place.

It’s filled with moments,

sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears,

with friendships formed and good times shared,

and laughter through the years.

A life well lived is a legacy,

of joy and pride and pleasure,

a living, lasting memory

our grateful heart’s will treasure.

        -Authour Unknown