Obituary of Walter W. Kroeger

Walter Kroeger was called home to the Lord in the loving embrace of family on July 1, 2024. He was 85 years old. He joins his parents and his precious daughter, Diane Derks, in eternity. Born in Cincinnati, OH on August 1, 1938, to William and Louise [Käsemeyer] Kroeger, Walter was baptized in Christ at St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he faithfully attended for his entire life. Walt was a faithful servant of Christ, and he joyfully served at St. Paul in various roles, most recently as an usher until his passing. Walt was intelligent, funny, and charming. He loved to tease his friends and family, and never missed an opportunity to crack a joke. Walt worked at Crest Craft, a printing company in Cincinnati, for over forty years. He had in incredibly mechanical mind, could fix anything, and always had many projects going on around the house. Above all, Walt loved his family. He was absolutely devoted to his wife, Ruth (“Ruff”) and did everything with her. Walt and Ruth loved to travel, go antiquing, and sit together in their chairs at the end of every night. He treasured his children, Bob and Diane, and was very proud of all their accomplishments. Walt loved all 7 of his grandchildren dearly and was very excited to see what each one would grow up and choose to do with their life. Walt was happiest when his entire family was together to enjoy a meal and lots of laughter. Walt left a large hole here on earth, and while we miss him tremendously, we rejoice that he is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Walter was the beloved husband of 63 years to Ruth Kroeger [Johnston]; dedicated father to Bob (Jill) Kroeger and Diane (John) Derks; cherished grandfather to Mia (Stephen) Cordle, Andrew “Bo” Derks, Zac Kroeger, Will Derks, Jenna Kroeger, Nina Derks, and Annika Derks; loving brother-in law to Mike (Peggy) Johnston; and a wonderful friend to many. A visitation will be held at Walter’s home church, St. Paul Lutheran Church at 5433 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227 on July 5, 2024. You are invited to come and share remembrances and stories with the family from 9:00 AM—10:00 AM. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 directly following the visitation. After the funeral service, family and friends will gather graveside at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Mount Healthy (2145 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231) where Walt will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you instead give in Walter’s name to Sunrise Children’s Services, P.O. Box 1429, Mt. Washington, KY 40047. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)