Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of Rev. Dr. Armin Kroehler

Rev. Dr. Armin Kroehler

April 20, 1922 – July 31, 2016

On Sunday, July 31, 2016, Rev. Dr. Armin Kroehler passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family members, and supported by the prayers and care of family and friends near and far. Commissioned as missionary through what is now Global Ministries to Aizu, Japan in 1950, Armin accepted Pastor Sakae Endo’s call to serve in the Tohoku. He graduated from Eden Seminary in 1949 and studied on scholarship in Zurich for a year prior to becoming a missionary. Armin met Dr. Toyohiko Kagawa while in Europe and again during language school in Tokyo, where Kagawa challenged new missionaries above all else to be good friends of Japanese neighbors.

Armin married wife Evelyn on July 29, 1950 and the very next day they were commissioned for Christian service in Japan where they served for over 50 years. Armin taught at the Aizu Christian Rural Life Center in Aizu Takada, Fukushima, Japan. As part of their ministry, they also made 22 mission trips with Japanese delegations to US Churches.

He was also a writer, with his publications including Forth to Sow, Renewal of the Church in Aizu, Grain of Mustard Seed (written in Japanese, Hitotsubu no Karashidane), and Kirishitan in Aizu. Descendant of a strong line of Christians including ministers, medical missionaries and teachers to India, Cuba, and Honduras, Pastor Kroehler loved to sing hymns. Among his favorites were “Great is Thy Faithfulness”,” Take my Life and Let it Be”, and “I Would be True”.

Armin was 94 years old, and had just celebrated his 66th wedding anniversary with Evelyn. Evelyn stated, “We make so many plans in our lives but God’s plans are perfect. Everything fell into place for us.”

Armin is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his five children: Kenneth, Kaye, Iris, Margaret, and Christopher; and eight grandchildren.

A celebration of his life by immediate family members is planned in the United States, with a memorial service in Aizu at a future date.  Memorial gifts may be sent to benefit the Asian Rural Institute through Global Ministries by mail, Post Office Box 198, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 or online or through the “American Friends of Asian Rural Institute” online at www.friends-air.org.

Condolences may be sent to his wife, Evelyn Kroehler, 2671 G Anuu Place, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819.