MIKE KROEKERDecember 28, 1950 - September 25, 2017Dallas - Michael Lee Kroeker, a resident of Dallas, Oregon died on Monday, September 25th. Mike was born on December 28, 1950 in Dallas, Oregon the son of Lee and Verda Kroeker. Mike attended schools in Dallas and graduated from Dallas High School in 1969. He graduated from Linn Benton Community College with a degree in mechanics. Mike married Jackie Potter on September 4, 1970 in Dallas. They just celebrated 47 years of marriage. Mike worked at Goodyear Tire in Lebanon for one year. They moved back to Dallas where Mike worked for Caterpillar assembling fork lifts. He worked there for 17 years until the plant closed. He went back to school at Chemeketa Community College with an engineering degree. While at Chemeketa, Mike participated in a work training program at Salem Keizer School District. Upon graduation, he received his engineering degree. Mike was then hired by Salem Keizer School district as lead maintenance to maintain all HVAC systems in the district. He worked there for 22 years until his retirement in 2013. Mike was a Ford man. He built a Mustang race car with his son Keith. They were part of the Woodburn Dragstrip Race Team and competed in four championships together. Mike was a great dad. He loved sports and coached his sons, Keith and Phil's baseball and football teams. He loved being a father but his greatest enjoyment was his grandchildren, Luke, Braedon and Leia. They called him their Papa. Mike's grandchildren brought him great joy and happiness. He is survived by his wife Jackie, son, Philip, brothers, Steve (Terri), Mark (Amy), sister, Debbie Laughlin & Brian George, mother-in-law, Hazel Potter, brother-in-law, James Potter Jr, extended family, Tim & Joyce Rickert, Jeff & Michelle Kaiser, He was preceded in death by his parents, son Keith, daughter-in-law, Erin, grandchildren Luke, Braedon and Leia.Funeral Services will be on Friday, October 6th at 11:00AM at Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center. Visitation will be Thursday, from 9-5 at Dallas Mortuary. Interment will be in Dallas Cemetery. There will be a luncheon at the Greenway Rec Hall following the services. Memorials may be made to Willamette Valley Hospice in care of Dallas Mortuary Tribute Center who is caring for the family. To leave an online condolence for the family go to www.dallastribute.com