George Kroeker

George Donald Kroeker, 92, of Turpin, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025. He was born on December 23, 1933, to Henry and Sara (Doerksen) Kroeker at Inman, KS. On March 2, 1958, he married Shirley Dick at the Turpin Mennonite Church. 

George graduated from Central Christian Bible Academy in Hutchinson, KS. After high school he completed two years of alternative service in Colorado and California. He went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bethel College in North Newton, KS. He taught in Big Bow, KS, Liberal, KS and Turpin, OK. In 1970, George & Shirley and family moved to the Smith ranch where they established a cattle operation all while teaching in Turpin, OK. All three of his children went through his  6th grade class. He was known for making school fun and creating an environment where his students were seen and felt special. He enjoyed farming, ranching, and spending time with family.

George and Shirley were longtime members of the Turpin Mennonite Church which recently became Faith Harvest Family Church. He served as chairman, deacon, taught Sunday School, Wednesday night classes, Vacation Bible School and served on pastoral search committees.

George is survived by his loving wife Shirley of almost 68 years, two sons and a daughter; Rick (Lynette) Kroeker of Edmond, OK; Tinese (Gregg) Ammons of Lubbock, TX; Nick Kroeker of Turpin, OK; two brothers, Elmer (Renetta) Kroekerand Harold (Jane) Kroeker; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Hilda Friesen and husband Alfred.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday January 2, 2026, at Faith Harvest Church, Turpin, OK with Pastors Mike & Karen Isaacs officiating. The service will be available online after the service at https://faithlife.com/tmc-y.

George donated his body to the University of Kansas Medical program to aid in the education of future medical professionals.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to Faith Harvest Family Church where a scholarship for a future teacher will be established in George’s name.