Joel Richard Krogen

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Visitation Schedule
Hope Lutheran Church
2415 E. Main St.
Batesville, AR  72501
Saturday, July 31, 2021
10:00am - 11:00am
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Hope Lutheran Church
2415 E. Main St.
Batesville, AR  72501
Saturday, July 31, 2021
11:00am
Cemetery
State Veteran Cemetery
North Little Rock, AR  
Memorial Contributions
Concordia Theological Seminary
6600 N. Clinton St.
Fort Wayne, IN  46825


Wounded Warrior Project
4899 Belfort Road. Suite 300
Jacksonville, FL  32256


K9s for Warriors
114 Camp K9 Road
Ponte Vedra, FL  32081
I served in the Navy.

Joel Richard KrogenI am a Veteran.

of Batesville, AR

March 25, 1965 - July 26, 2021

Joel Richard Krogen, 56, of Batesville died July 26, 2021.

He was born March 25, 1965 in Worland, Wyoming to Richard Arne Krogen and Lorna Mae (Neumann) Krogen.

Joel was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and worked 16 years as a pastor, serving a dual parish at Hope Lutheran Church in Batesville and at Zion Lutheran Church in Waldenburg. He graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1983 and then from University of Minnesota, with a Masters of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Above all, his God and family meant everything to him and he served faithfully in everything he did. He enjoyed reading, writing, and traveling. With Joel, what you saw was what you got.

Survivors include his wife, Veronica (Arrington) Krogen of the home; two sons, Tim Krogen of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and Matt Krogen of Rapid City, South Dakota; one daughter, Laura Steinbacher (Joel) of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; two sisters, Sue Olson of Blaine, Minnesota, and Sharyn Ham (Rob) of Powell, Ohio; four nieces, Kara and Krista Olson and Madison and Jaelyn Ham, and one nephew, Gunner Olson (Lindsey).

He is preceded in death by his parents and one infant brother.

Funeral services will be Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 11:00am at Hope Lutheran Church with Pastor Kevin McReynolds officiating. Burial will be Thursday, August 5, 2021 at the State Veteran Cemetery in North Little Rock at 9:00am.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Concordia Theological Seminary, 6600 N Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN 46825, or to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, or to K9s for Warriors, 114 Camp K9 Road, Ponte Vedra, Florida 32081, or to a veteran's organization of your choice.

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Recorded Funeral Service for Joel Richard Krogen

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60 Condolence(s)
Dolph Abernethy
Conover, NC
Liked
Sunday, January 9, 2022

I’m sorry I’m so late at signing the guestbook, Veronica. I sympathize with you and pray for you and your family daily. Now I know from my own experience how tough it is. The Lord be with you during this season (year decade) of grief. The peace of Christ be with you always.

Earl Kersey
Conroe, TX
Liked
Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Fair winds and following seas my friend.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a really good man. Lots of really good memories in Israel, UAE, and Kuwait. He always made me laugh.

ERIC M Barnes
Knoxville, TN
Liked
Tuesday, August 10, 2021

I served with Joel in the Navy. He was a great guy and a wonderful mentor. He was one of the first people I met when I got there. Just a genuine soul. My prayers to his family and all those who loved him. He will be missed by anyone who ever met him him. My God cradle him in his arms and give just peace knowing he was a man devoted to our Father.

Sarah Lassiter
Cave City, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 4, 2021

So very sad to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with Veronica and family.

Larry & Lana Hurt (NE OK Patriot Guard Riders)
Colcord, OK
Liked
Tuesday, August 3, 2021

We salute your veteran. Our condolences for your loss & gratitude for your loved one's service to our country. May your memories & God's love bring you peace, comfort & strength at this difficult time. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal but LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal.
Death takes the body. God takes the soul. Our mind holds the memories. Our heart keeps the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again someday.

Dolph and Sue Abernethy
Conover, NC
Liked
Sunday, August 1, 2021

Sue and I were deeply saddened to learn of Joel’s death, Veronica. This was quite a blow to fall upon you and your family. Thanks be to God for the hope that we have in Christ! May that hope, and the assurance of the resurrection to eternal life, sustain you and your family during this time of grief and loss. Our prayers are with you.

Louise Scofield
Bottineau, ND
Liked
Sunday, August 1, 2021

I am so very sorry for your kids. My prayers are with you all. Love and peace to you all.

Dolph and Sue Abernethy
Conover, NC
Liked
Sunday, August 1, 2021

Sue and I were deeply saddened to learn of Joel’s death, Veronica. This was quite a blow to fall upon you and your family. Thanks be to God for the hope that we have in Christ! May that hope, and the assurance of the resurrection to eternal life, sustain you and your family during this time of grief and loss. Our prayers are with you.

Rev. Jared Tucher
Gillette, WY
Liked
Sunday, August 1, 2021

Veronica, I was so shocked to hear of Joel’s death. While it has been 20 years since we all started the wild ride of summer Greek, I remember Joel as one of the many who took great delight in picking on me, though why, I’ll never know. May God grant you and the family His peace and comfort in this difficult time, that you may take joy in knowing that Joel is with the Good Shepherd. Cherish the many memories that you two have shared, but more than anything, find comfort that Joel is a part of the Church Triumphant and continues to worship with us, alongside the angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven.

Stan & BJ Knauff
Pace, FL
Liked
Saturday, July 31, 2021

Veronica, We were stunned by Joel's passing and have had you in our thoughts and prayers daily this week. We pray that, during your grief, you and your children have strength, comfort, and peace in the loving arms of Jesus. Stan & BJ

Rev. Peter and Michelle Gueldner
Blaine, MN
Liked
Friday, July 30, 2021

We send our condolences. While we never met Joel in person, we spoke over the phone before the 50th anniversary of King of Glory in Blaine, MN in 2019, and again last year at the passing of his father Rev. Richard Krogen. Our hearts go out to his family and the two churches he served.

Byron & Dorrell Krogen
Spanish Fort, AL
Liked
Friday, July 30, 2021

May you & the family feel GOD’S presence during these difficult days. Joel is rejoicing with JESUS while we grieve his sudden home going. May GOD filled all your hearts with HIS love, comfort, peace & strength. 🙏🏼✝️💓

David and Linda Hidy
Batesville,
Liked
Friday, July 30, 2021

Veronica, Tim, Matt, Laura and Joel we are praying for all of you. We have been privileged to have had Pastor as our shepherd and blessed to have been on the receiving end of his powerful sermons. Our loss is indeed Heaven’s gain.

Bruce Kelley
Batesville, AR
Liked
Friday, July 30, 2021

I'm saddened and shocked to hear about your loss but heaven's gain! I'm fortunate to have been a PK (Preachers Kid) and son of an Air Force Chaplain! My Dad was buried at the NLR Veterans Cemetery and Mom is there too as she went to be with him and our Lord last January! You and your family are in my prayers and I pray that you feel his peace and comfort during this time!

Ron and Barbara Kittelson
Pleasant Grove, AR
Liked
Friday, July 30, 2021

Veronica, we thank you so very much for sharing Pastor Krogen with all of us at Hope and Waldenburg. He has been extremely important to Ron and me and I can’t even find words to describe our sadness and yet joy…he now lives in Gods home and although we will miss him terribly…he has strengthened our faith to where we will remain awake and ready for when God will bring us together once again. Barbara

Debbie Watt
Wilder, ID
Liked
Friday, July 30, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of my cousins passing. He was so young. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.

Tony and Sandy Bolen
Aberdeen, SD
Liked
Friday, July 30, 2021

Veronica and Family; our hearts are broken over the news of Joel's Home-going, yet we rejoice in knowing he heard these blessed Words from the Lord Himself: Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Our continued thoughts and prayers with all of you during this difficult time. May the Lord set His holy angels around you, and grant you comfort in the certainty of the Resurrection!

Jerilyn J. Rogers
CHATHAM, IL
Liked
Friday, July 30, 2021

Clarence and I are heartbroken for you, but rejoice that Joel has received his crown of glory. We will be praying for you and the kids that God would comfort you and give you His peace. ...and the angels rejoiced as they welcomed Joel home.

Bob and Lorna Froemming
Minneapolis, MN
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Joel and our daughter were in confirmation and graduated from high school together. God's blessings!!! May you all feel his presence in the days ahead.

George A Dubrowski
Batesville, AR
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

Veronica, Laura, Matt, Tim please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Pastor Krogen will be missed by many, may memory of him continue for eternity.

Bob and Lorna Froemming
Minneapolis, MN
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jody (Hensel) Larson
Park Rapdis, MN
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

I'm so very sorry to hear about Joel's passing. I can't imagine the heartbreak you must be going through. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you and the kids and comfort you all. God's peace to you Veronica. Jody (Hensel) Larson

Judy McDoniel
Cave City, AR
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

I am sorry for you loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

Gerri Jacob
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

Being a pastors wife and widow, my condolences come with Gods gift of the Holy Spirit to embrace you through your grief and both peace and joy in the knowledge that Heaven is his eternal home and our promise when our time comes to be reborn into Eternity.

Lilly Avondet Cunningham
Clinton, UT
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers and with you Veronica and your family at this difficult time.

Rev. Randolph and Vicki Schnack
Saratoga, WY
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

So very sad to hear this news, but we are quietly rejoicing knowing that now this man sees his Lord face to face...the One Whom he served so faithfully. Veronica, may the Lord give you His peace and comfort during this time.

James & Phyllis Oletzke
Blaine, MN
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

Sorry to hear about Joel. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.

Scott and Fran Arrington
Winfield, WV
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

Out deepest sympathies.

Timothy Stewart
Batesville, AR
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

Tim and family. We were sorry to hear of the loss of your father who was of course a man of faith
and servant of the most high God. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tim and Ruth.

Cecilia Selthun
Southern Shores, NC
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

Veronica, I am so saddened by this news….for some reason, you have been in my thoughts a lot the last few days. Now I understand why….My heart is breaking for you and your family…..

Timothy Sandeno
Gorham, ME
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

God be praised for the life and service of Joel and for his welcome to eternal rest. God comfort Veronica, Tim, Matt, and Laura in their grief as we wait in hope for the final trumpet and a reunion in resurrection. Veronica, Peace be yours in Christ.

Mike Schmaus
Coon Rapids, MN
Liked
Thursday, July 29, 2021

Fair winds and following seas my friend.

Debbie Neumann Hilgemann
Pewaukee, WI
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers

Greg Chalmers
Grand Marais, MN
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Shocked and surprised to hear of cousin Joel's passing. His father presided at my wedding 49 years ago. So sad, I'm sorry for your loss.

John Wackler
Stillwater, OK
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Most sincere condolences to Veronica and family at this time of your loss. Joel was a great classmate. John and Diane Wackler

Bob and Cyndi Myers
Milton, FL
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Veronica and family. We share your grief at this time. But we do not grieve as those without hope. May you abide in the peace and comfort gifted us by the resurrected Christ.

Doug & Marge Punke
Fort Wayne, IN
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Our sympathies to the Kroger family and our beloved brothers and sisters at Hope. We rejoice that God placed His seal upon Joel and has now welcomed him to the eternal wedding feast of the Son. Joel has that for which we still endeavor. We struggle on in the strength of our crucified and risen Lord. God grant you His comfort. Zion in Fort Wayne has you all in our prayers.

JoAnn D. Jones
Timbo, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

So sorry for your loss. I loved when Pastor Krogen used to come to Grace Lutheran in Mt. View. God Bless all of you. He will be greatly missed.

Judy Immig
Clearwater, FL
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Im so sorry for your loss Veronica and family.I will alway remember his fun loving ways on 104th lane and when visting us in Florida.My God bless you at this time

David Hardin
Batesville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Heartbroken. Love y'all.

John Vinje
Portland, OR
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Veronica, Sue & Sharyn: shocked to hear the news about Joel. I remember him from the era that Pastor R. Kroger was at King of Glory.
My entire family sends our condolences to you & the rest of your families.

Randy Blankschaen
Pensacola, FL
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Peace be with you Veronica and your family. You have always brightened my Sunday mornings when you visited Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pensacola. I am so saddened to hear of your loss and pray that you find solace and refuge in your God. Christ is risen.

Carl and Claire Fickenscher
Fort Wayne, IN
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

God be with you, Veronica, family! You and Joel are one of my happiest placement stories through all those years! God's kingdom is truly blessed by your service together there! And now Joel enjoys the very blessing he's been proclaiming all this time: eternal life in Jesus our Savior. Claire and I pray that that the Lord will comfort you with that certainty and with the sure hope of sharing in that joy someday! In Christ, Carl Fickenscher

George Jackson
Cherokee Village, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

It was a blessing to have Pastor Krogen at Hope Lutheran for 16 years. Condolences and Best Wishes to Veronica, Laura, Matt, and Tim.

Steve and Elaine Walther
Coon Rapids, MN
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

We are so shocked by the news of your loss and want to send our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.

Duaine Worden
BLAINE, MN
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

He just went home.
We will see him again.

Lorri Bye
Coon Rapids, MN
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Veronica, Sharyn and Sue - I'm heartbroken to hear about Joel. He is such a great man, and I was so shocked to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families, and wish you God's grace while you navigate through this. I can picture him reuniting with Dick and Lorna and raising a cold one with Dick! Prayers for peace! Lorri

Fred Johnson
Anoka, MN
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

May the Love of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you now and always.

Mary Anne Enriquez
Third Lake, IL
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Veronica, you and your family are in my daily prayers and thoughts. May you find comfort in your faith, family, and friends. You all are very much loved.

Tina Rich
Wild Rose, WI
Liked
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Marty and I send our sympathy and prayers. Great memories for our sem days. May the Lord hold you in his loving arms good and faithful servant.

James & Katy Beadle
Fort Wayne, IN
Liked
Tuesday, July 27, 2021

The love of God, the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit grace you and your family with healing and comfort in your grief. Blessed is the death of the saints in the eyes of God, though devastation is left in it's wake on Earth. We're so sorry Veronica.

Heidi Sias
Imperial, MO
Liked
Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Our deepest condolences to Veronica and the rest of the family. I remember Joel fondly as a seminary student and member of the CTS basketball team. We mourn with you in this terrible loss, but not as those with no hope. May the resurrection of Christ comfort you in the days ahead, knowing you will someday be reunited in heaven. Our prayers are with you.

Monica and Brian Gillespie
Yulee, FL
Liked
Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Your family is in our prayers.

John Pless
Fort Wayne, IN
Liked
Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Good memories of Joel from his time as a student here at CTSFW. He was a diligent and faithful shepherd to the Lord's people. I pray that the Gospel of Jesus' cross and resurrection to which Joel was devoted will now bring consolation, peace, and strength to his family and congregation.

Molly McPherson
Sartell, MN
Liked
Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Joel was the life of our block growing up on 104th Lane in Coon Rapids. It sounds like he had a wonderful family! My deepest condolences to all of you. Blessings and prayers are sent from Minnesota.

Wendy Snell
CHEYENNE, WY
Liked
Tuesday, July 27, 2021

I am deeply sadden by this news...I am thankful for having had the opportunity of working with Pastor Kroger and for teaching Tim and Matt...I will be praying for you all as you go through the next few months of adjusting to life....may God grant you peace and comfort ....

LANA and JERRY REDDMANN
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Veronica, We are stunned and heartbroken at Pastor’s passing. May God Bless and Keep you and your family in the coming sad times. So so sorry for your loss. Lana and Jerry

The Rev. Larry A Peters
Clarksville, TN
Liked
Tuesday, July 27, 2021

The hearts and prayers of my family and I and the whole people of God at Grace Lutheran Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, go out do you, Joel’s family and friends and church family. Joel was a good friend, a fine pastor, and an exemplary church leader. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace according to the mercies of God.

Kellie Smith
Batesville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, July 27, 2021

We are so sorry for your loss. We are asking for God's comfort and grace to sustain you all.
In Christ,
Kenny & Kellie Smith

Mary Haugen
Seymour, IN
Liked
Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Veronica,
I am deeply saddened to hear about Joel's passing. I will keep your and your family close in prayer in times ahead. Peace in Christ, Mary