Ingrid Kord Kroeger

Ingrid Kord Kroeger was born to Estonian parents, Harry and Arda Kord in a refugee camp in Munich, Germany, a repurposed school with minimal amenities, and little health care for newborn children. Her life was a series of literal and emotional journeys.

In 1952, her family left Germany and arrived in New York Harbor to begin life in the United States. A black and white photo of the young family shows her in the arms of her father, on the deck of a freighter. The Empire State Building is in the background. The family settled in Detroit, near the Detroit River.

When she began school at Lillibridge Elementary, she met Virginia Dare, an astute music teacher who recognized Ingrid's gift for singing. This began a lifetime of singing with churches, classical choirs, and community choirs. The performance of a one-hundred-member choir singing Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody was a joy.

Ingrid's next journey took her to Ypsilanti, and Eastern Michigan University. She found her focus in helping people. She settled on psychology and counseling. She began a career as a rehab counselor and later, a career counselor at Madonna University. Her own experience as an immigrant helped her empathize with her international students and clients.

After her graduation, Ingrid had the opportunity to travel in Europe for the summer. She stayed with relatives whenever possible, and fell in love with the Alps and Venice. Whenever a European-set TV show was on, she would chirp out about her being at this or that location. Around this time, she also began to travel with her youngest sister, Ellen. The trips included Alaska, Estonia, and any place around the United States that provided a Vegfest.

Ingrid and her family were proud Estonians. They were active in the Detroit Estonian Community church services and cultural observances, and were thrilled with its independence in 1991. As an extended family, they stuck together, supported each other, and celebrated their achievements.

Early in her career journey, she met her husband to be, Tom Kroeger. This led to a 48-year journey that took them around much of the United States, Germany, Canada, and the most important one: El Salvador.

In 1986, Tom and Ingrid flew to El Salvador to facilitate the adoption of their son, Mark. The country was still recovering from a 1985 earthquake that hit San Salvador, the capital, and disrupted civil life. Civil war there also added interest to our visit. We came home safely as a family to Livonia.

The final journey for Ingrid began in late 2023, when she began to notice weakness in her hands and arms. These were the early signs of ALS. There is no cure. This brought her to the end of her earthly journey. Godspeed, dear Ingrid.

Ingrid is predeceased by her parents, Harry and Arda Kord, her grandfather, Arthur Olev, and her uncle, Arved Olev. She is survived by her husband, Tom and son Mark (Kellie), and her beloved grandchildren, Hailey, Hannah, and Andrew. Also, by her sister Ellen and spouse Richard (Mac) McAvinchey.

If it had fur, she had a soft spot for it, caring for four dogs, one cat, and a bunch of bunnies. She loved people, nature, flora and fauna, and would be honored if you supported charities that benefit life in all its forms. We suggest any memorial donations be made to the Detroit Dog Rescue, Sasha Farm, or the Children's Relief Fund.

Cremation has occurred. Visitation will be at Harry J. Will on 6 Mile near Newburgh in Livonia from 3:00 to 8:00 on June 27. A memorial service will be at Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church at 9601 Hubbard in Livonia at 11:00 on June 28, with a luncheon to follow at the church.