Bernard John Kroeze

Bernard John Kroeze died on January 14th, 2018 at the age of 78. Bernie was born March 19th, 1939, in Tecumseh, NE. He was the son of John and Lela (McBride) Kroeze. Bernie was a servant of Christ, and demonstrated his faith through his actions. He was an ardent supporter of adopting kids, and his life was based on hard work, compassion, independent thinking, and humor. Bernie earned degrees in agriculture and teaching, served in the US Marine Corps, was a small business owner, a LaVista city councilman, a faithful friend, a beloved father, grandfather, husband, and brother. He was a leader, a provider, and a fixer of all things broken.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cathryn (Cortright) Kroeze, and six children: Bruce Kroeze (and Jessica Bobillot), Portland, OR, Bradley Kroeze, Bellevue, NE, Alicia Kroeze, Omaha, NE, Benjamin Kroeze (and Trish Wonch Hill), Lincoln, NE, Daniel Kroeze, Omaha, NE, and Kathryn Kroeze, Papillion, NE. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Katrina, Noah, Jack, Clio, Simone and Jude. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Kroeze, and his sister, Shelia Stadler. He is survived by his siblings Sylvia Henry of San Bernardino, CA, Eleanor Hill of Bakersfield, CA, Darrel Kroeze of Burlington, NC, Shirley Kroeze of Lincoln, NE, Jim Kroeze of Glendale, CA, and Jon Kroeze of Louisiana, MO.

A memorial service will be held at Bernie and Cathys church, LifeSpring, 13904 S. 36th Street, Bellevue, NE, 68123, at 11:00am, on Friday, January 19th, 2018. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bernie's life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Bernie to Holt International Childrens Services, 250 Country Club Rd., Eugene, OR 97401, holtinternational.org.