September 23, 1932 - September 11, 2021
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, but he could also 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 restrictions, a private memorial for both Bob and Carrie was held on September 24th. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the charity of your choice.
To express condolences to Bob's family, please visit womboldfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements Entrusted To Ponoka Funeral Home
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~
Ponoka Funeral Home ~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home