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. 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 grandfather and father. He graduated from Thorp High School in 1960 and went on to earn a degree in auto mechanics from Wausau Technical Institute. He also served six years in the National Guard.

     Bob began his career working at a service station in Wausau before moving closer to home. While working at a service station in Owen, he met the love of his life, Judith Ann Heldt. 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 home and land where he had grown up. He also established his own repair business, Bob’s Repair. After 32 years of dairy farming, he sold the cows but continued crop farming and operating his repair business. Known for his mechanical abilities, ingenuity, and strong work ethic, Bob could fix just about anything and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

     Bob was a devoted Catholic and 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 volunteered at the Stanley prison alongside Fr. Keith Apfelbeck and participated in the Retrouvaille program, helping couples strengthen and heal their marriages.

     One of Bob’s proudest accomplishments was fulfilling his longtime goal of restoring working clocks to the tower of St. Hedwig’s country church. He helped raise the funds, found a designer, and took part in building and installing the clocks. Completed in September 2025, the project stands as a lasting contribution to his church community.

     Family was especially important to Bob. Affectionately known as “Famous Father,” he enjoyed gathering with his children and grandchildren, attending their activities, and carrying on family traditions. One of his favorites was the annual turkey dinner held on Super Bowl Sunday, which he faithfully attended every year since 1967.

     Bob had a way of making everyday moments memorable. His children and grandchildren will fondly remember his special word, “Opalaki,” the $2 bills he loved handing out, and his unforgettable renditions of “Happy Birthday” and “Good Morning.” He affectionately called all his girls “Susie” and was always ready with a joke, a funny story, or one of his favorite sayings, “Wherever you go, there you are.”

     Bob enjoyed listening to polka music, hearing Judy sing with her band, playing pool, taking Sunday drives, and spending time with his dogs. He also enjoyed riding his John Deere lawn tractor, working in the fields, trying his luck with lottery tickets, and making cotton candy for his grandchildren. Known for his sweet tooth, quick wit, and friendly personality, Bob never met a stranger and found joy in life’s simple pleasures.

     Bob will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and willingness to help others. His faith, dedication to his work, and the memories he created with those around him leave a lasting legacy.

     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.