Anniversary Anecdotes: Mike Kroeger

Mike Kroeger
In general, one does not retire to Pittsburgh from Houston, Texas. But that’s just what we did in 2014 in order to be closer to family.

I was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana and was baptized at Redeemer Lutheran Church (LCMS) in 1955, confirmed there in 1969, and married there in 1978 to Linda Walker. I then spent my 32-year career with ExxonMobil in Houston, Texas where Linda and I raised our three daughters Tess, Nell, and Kitt. Coming to Pittsburgh felt comfortable and familiar, although a lot hillier. I certainly enjoy the slower pace, less traffic, and lower heat and humidity of Pittsburgh compared to Houston.

It was important that we relocate close to family, 15-20 minutes from children and grandchildren in Mt Lebanon and 3 ½ hours from in-laws in Ijamsville, Maryland. It was also important that we be near an LCMS Church. Zion was also comfortable and familiar … and still is. Every Sunday, we confess our sins and receive forgiveness, hear Law and Gospel preached in the Sermon, and receive Christ’s Body and Blood in Communion. We felt welcomed from the start and quickly became involved in the Church. I became an Elder at Zion in 2016 and continue to serve.

Confirmation Day March 30, 1969

During the Pandemic, Zion chose to not cancel in-person services as many Churches were doing. In addition to providing livestream broadcasts of the Service, we added multiple weekday services and Saturday services so that people, who wished to, could attend safely (in smaller numbers) in person and receive Communion. As Elder I was privileged to assist Pastor Grimenstein with those non-Sunday services.

I am thankful that God has graciously blessed Zion for 125 years with a place of worship, and I look forward to many more years at Zion, Lord willing.

The Kroeger, Carter, Wilson and Walker families celebrate the baptism of their youngest family member, Rhys Wilson.