Harold was born June 24, 1922 in Pawnee Rock, Kansas, the middle of three boys. He was the son of Frank and Matilda (Deckert) Kroeker. He graduated from Pawnee Rock High School in 1940. He worked as a farm hand before moving to Hutchinson, KS to attend trade school. He worked at the Boeing Aircraft company in Wichita, KS until he enlisted in the Navy in 1942. During his enlistment, he was trained and served as a radio operator, passing through Pearl Harbor and eventually served at a joint communications station on the island of Guam until his discharge in 1946.
After WWII, he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Wagner of Indianapolis, Indiana. There, they made their home until 1958, when the Western Electric Company transferred him to Kansas City to help open a new plant. His career at Western Electric spanned 30 years, rising from toolmaker to Department Chief. He retired from the company in 1981. After retirement, he and Betty enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, wintering in Mesa, Arizona, as well as many wonderful times spent with family and friends at their second home at Table Rock Lake. He was a proficient woodcarver, each year hand-carving Christmas ornaments for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His many other interests included Hamm radio, jewelry making, boating, and tinkering in his workshop. He was a longtime member of Colonial Presbyterian Church and a member of the Prime Timers Sunday School class.
Harold was preceded in death by his wife (Betty) of 72 years, his parents, Frank and Matilda Kroeker, and two brothers, Alfred and Marvin. Survivors include daughters Tonya (Elliot) Mengel, Cindy (Steve) Musfeldt, and son Steve (Miriam) Kroeker, 8 grandchildren Nicole (David), Tara (Brad), Casey, Brad, Max, Christopher (Andrea), Stephen and Matthew (Toshie), as well as 9 great-grandchildren Conner, Laney, Chase, Will, Brooks, Hunt, Tennison, Rylin, and Whitley. As well as loving family, Harold leaves behind a host of friends and caregivers. The family would like to thank all of those that loved and cared for him, including those at Villa Ventura (Senior Star Living), Advanced Home Health Care (especially the Jennifers), and Crossroads Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Crossroads Hospice or a charity of your choice.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at Mount Moriah South, 10507 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131. Please gather at the funeral home to drive to the graveside.
