Obituary of Vera Kroeger

Elvera A. Kroeger, 92, of Dyersville passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022, at her home surrounded by love.

Visitation will be held from 2 - 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9-10 am Monday prior to funeral mass.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Gabriel Mensah will officiate.

Vera was born on April 22, 1930, in Dyersville, the daughter of Alfred and Rose Klostermann. She grew up in the original farmhouse and walked to the country school. Vera spent time with her siblings before and after school on farm chores and spent many evenings playing games and making music. She met the love of her life and future husband, Gary Kroeger at her brother Art’s farm.  Gary had immigrated from Germany, and Vera assisted him with the intricacies of English language and studying for the citizenship exam. They were married in 1953 and raised six children.  In addition to raising children, Vera was a bus driver for 20+ years, and worked at Kroeger Body Shop well into her 80’s. Many afternoons were spent with lifelong friends laughing and sharing stories while playing cards (Euchre, Solo, and Horse-Deal).  Her adventurous spirit led her to places such as Australia, Germany, Belize, and Ireland. A favorite activity included teaching grandkids to play cards, and they were rewarded with ice cream treats well after bedtime hours. 

Survivors include her children: Carol (Bob) Engelken of Center Point, Richard (Dawn) Kroeger, Kathy (Dave) Krapfl, both of Dyersville, Kenneth (Laura) Kroeger of Lakeville, MN, Sandy (Wayne) Stelken of Dyersville, and Lisa (Chris) Reid of Atkins; grandchildren: Kristin (Jason) Comer, Nina (Cory) Letts, Krystal Engelken, Patric (Ashley) Engelken, Rachel (Jacob) Mack, Sarah (JT) Ketelaar, Jason Kroeger, Kurt (Rachel) Krapfl, Matt (Stacy Kimbell) Krapfl, Kaylee Krapfl, Ellen (Neil) Becknal, Jenna (Matt) O’Rourke, Sean (Nicki) Stelken, Tim Stelken, Jacob and Dylan Reid; 16 great grandchildren; a sister, Lila Clemen of Dyersville, and a sister-in-law, Mary Kroeger of Guttenberg and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gary in 1990, siblings: Rita (Raymond) Deutmeyer, Alfred (Lorraine) Klostermann, Art (Verna) Klosterman, Ruth (Joe) Lansing, and a sister, Virginia, in infancy; in-laws: Vince Clemen, Heinrich, Wilhelm, Herman, Johann, Theodor “Ted”, Josef and Anna Kroger, Margarete Wosthaus, Thekla Neeland, and three in infancy.

Special thank you to Dr. Ryan Stille and Hospice of Dubuque, hospice nurse Kelli.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family and information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.  Online condolences and memorials may be sent to Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12^th Ave SW, Dyersville, IA 52040.