KROEGER: Edwin "Ed" Kroeger, beloved brother, brother-in-law and uncle passed away Saturday, August 9, 2014 at Rivers Personal Care Home, Rivers, Manitoba. Ed was born on October 27, 1930 to Gerhard "George" and Katherina (nee Unger) Kroeger. He was the fourth of eleven children. It was difficult labour with only his father and a neighbour lady in attendance. Ed was born with the umbilical cord around his neck and this lack of oxygen at birth left him with a certain degree of mental handicap and stammer or stutter. Despite his start in life and the lack of formal education, Ed had many well developed abilities. Ed was bilingual. He spoke low German with his parents and English to everyone else. He had an excellent memory, a vivid imagination and an innate kindness that endeared him to his family. Ed, like all of his family, developed a deep love and appreciation for music. He learned to play guitar and surprisingly, when he sang, he didn't stutter at all. Over the years, Ed amassed a large collection of records, tapes and CD's of mainly country music artists that he loved to listen to and often tried to emulate. When asked to play something, Ed's signature song was "You Are My Sunshine". In his early years, Ed was productive on the family farm completing chores that were appropriate to his age and abilities. He did everything from picking berries, feeding chickens, collecting eggs, planting and weeding the garden to leading horses, fetching in the cow, stooking sheaves in the field and mowing grass. In 1974, Ed began a more formal vocation at Rolling Dale Workshop in Cardale, Manitoba. With the exception of a brief period when Ed lived with his stepsisters, Rita and Kathy, then Mary in Alberta, he participated in Rolling Dale's program for almost twenty years. He continued with the organization when they moved to Rivers and were renamed Rolling Dale Enterprises. While at Rolling Dale, Ed was involved in many projects including potato planting, working in the greenhouse, painting ceramics, building picnic tables, refinishing furniture and the recycling program. Rolling Dale also provided a fun social environment for developing friendships as well as opportunities for outings and road trips that exposed Ed to new experiences. There were numerous dances, variety concerts, Halloween, Birthday and Christmas parties that Ed participated in. He also entered Artwork and Crafts in the local fair and competitions and won prizes. Ed enjoyed the Brandon Air Show, day trips to Clear Lake, and attending concerts. The ultimate adventure was their bus trip to Branson, Missouri. Ed attended Rolling Dale until May 2009, when issues with limited mobility resulted in a move to Rivers Personal Care Home. Ed loved the Wheat Kings and going to their games. A special moment was having his picture taken with Wheat Kings team members. Ed was always active. He tried horseback riding, bowling and snowshoeing. He loved riding his bike everywhere and continued to ride his three-wheel bike well into his seventies. Family gatherings were special times for Ed. He was a great favorite of all his young nieces and nephews. He would entertain them with his guitar and singing, and he would join in all their games with great enthusiasm. Ed grew up in a family with strong faith, and he carried that love for God his entire life. Ed and his friend Sandy often played for the annual church Christmas Concert, and sometimes during regular church services. He attended Rivers Baptist Church regularly up until two months ago when ill health prevented him from going. Ed is survived by sisters: Helen Krahn, Katie (Bill) Enns, Margaret Kroeger, Hertha Martens, and Marion Johnson; brothers; George (Katie) Kroeger, Henry (Selma) Kroeger, John (Mavis) Kroeger, and Jacob (Lynn) Kroeger, and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as step-siblings. He was predeceased by his parents, Gerhard and Katherina Kroeger, step-mother Liz (Friesen) Kroeger; brother Peter Kroeger; sister-in-law Helen Kroeger; his brothers-in-law Tom Johnson, John Krahn and Eric Martens. The Funeral Service was held at Rivers Baptist Church on Thursday, August 14, 2014 with Pastor Wil Warkentin officiating. Pallbearers were Howard Kroeger, Larry Krahn, Garry Kroeger, Bill Kroeger, Dale Kroeger, and Tyson Kroeger. Honorary Bearers were all staff and clients of Rolling Dale Enterprises. Interment followed at the Rivers Mennonite Cemetery. Donations in memory of Ed may be made to Rolling Dale Enterprises Inc., Box 327, Box 533 - 2nd Avenue, Rivers, Manitoba, R0K 1X0. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.