Robert F. “Bob” Kroll

Robert F. “Bob” Kroll, age 83, of Thorp, WI, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN.

   

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp. Rev. Joseph Redfern and Rev. Stanislaus Michael Antony will concelebrate the Funeral Mass, with burial to follow in Old St. Hedwig Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kyle Kroll, Jared Kroll, Jason Kroll, Riley Kroll, and Preston Alger, Benjamin Rouse. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

 

Robert Frank Kroll was born on December 1, 1942, in Stanley, WI, to Frank and Anna (Jaskot) Kroll. He grew up on the family farm near Thorp, in the farmhouse built by his father and grandfather. He graduated from Thorp High School in 1960 and went on to earn a degree in auto mechanics from Wausau Technical Institute. During this time, he also served six years in the National Guard.

 

Bob began his career working at a service station in Wausau before returning closer to home. While working at a service station in Owen, he met Judith Ann Heldt, the woman who would become his wife and lifelong companion. They were united in marriage on July 2, 1966, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen. Together, they raised nine children and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2026.

 

After working at the Ford garage in Withee, Bob purchased the family farm in 1973, returning to the land and home where he had grown up. Along with dairy farming, he established Bob’s Repair, putting his mechanical knowledge and natural ability to solve problems to good use. After 32 years of dairy farming, he sold the cows but continued crop farming and operating his repair business. Known for his ingenuity and strong work ethic, Bob could fix nearly anything and was always willing to share his skills with others.

 

Bob’s Catholic faith was an important part of his life. He was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He and Judy faithfully prayed the rosary together each day. He also volunteered at the Stanley prison alongside Fr. Keith Apfelbeck and participated in the Retrouvaille program, helping couples strengthen and restore their marriages.

 

One of Bob’s most meaningful accomplishments was the restoration of the clocks in the tower of St. Hedwig’s country church. Determined to see the clocks working again, he helped raise funds, located a designer, and took part in building and installing them. The project was completed in September 2025, fulfilling a longtime goal and leaving a lasting contribution to his church community.

 

Family was at the heart of Bob’s life. Affectionately known as “Famous Father,” he especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. A favorite family tradition was the annual turkey dinner held on Super Bowl Sunday, which he faithfully attended every year since 1967.

 

Bob had a special way of expressing his love, often through simple gestures rather than words. His family will always remember his special word, “Opalaki,” the $2 bills he enjoyed giving away, and his unforgettable renditions of “Happy Birthday” and “Good Morning.” He affectionately called all his girls “Susie” and was never short on jokes, stories, or one of his favorite sayings, “Wherever you go, there you are.”

 

He enjoyed listening to polka music, hearing Judy sing with her band, playing pool, taking Sunday drives, and spending time with his beloved dogs. Whether riding his John Deere lawn tractor, working in the fields, trying his luck with lottery tickets, or making cotton candy for the grandchildren, Bob found enjoyment in life’s everyday moments. He had a sweet tooth, a quick wit, and a friendly nature that made it easy for him to strike up a conversation with anyone.

 

Bob will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humor, and willingness to help others. He took pride in his work, found strength in his faith, and treasured the family he and Judy built together. His legacy lives on not only in the things he accomplished, but also in the memories and traditions he leaves with those who loved him.

 

Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy, of Thorp; his nine children: Robert A. (Christine) Kroll of Neenah, WI, Ronald Kroll of Withee, WI, Kristine (Todd) Greenfield of Rochester, MN, John Kroll (Jamie Swanke) of Rochester, MN, James (Amanda) Kroll of Thorp, WI, Katherine Kroll of Eau Claire, WI, Karen Kroll of Thorp, WI, Karla (Eric) Rouse of Odessa, FL, and Kimberly (Eric) Alger of Chippewa Falls, WI; 26 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, with one on the way; his brother-in-law, Casey Kowalczyk of Brookfield, IL; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Kroll; his sister, Delores Kowalczyk; and two nephews.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given in Bob's name to the Hands Foundation; W6929 Broek Rd, Withee, WI 54498.