Robert Kroll

For 83 years Bob was much loved by his family and friends. His life ended tragically on February 5, 2026, accidentally falling into a bin of grain. His smart thinking—throwing his gloves, then hat and cell phone into the auger—stopped the machine, prevented injury, and gave hope for a rescue. But God had called him homeward.

Bob was married to Annie for 62 years—a great love story. They were always together. Out of love he built a garden house, a covered bridge over the Willow Creek, and many clever inventions. Together they shared many antics in card clubs and bowling leagues. Bob had a black ‘61 Chevy when he dated Annie and later found an identical ‘61 Chevy and enjoyed cruises with their classic car group. They also liked antiquing and collecting unique objects, sharing their collections with the West Central Iowa Collector’s Club.

God blessed their union with two daughters, Terri and Wendi. Bob taught them how to ride bikes, walk beans, and drive a stick shift. He was a fun-loving dad and easy to admire. After the girls married, his name upgraded to Papa Bob. Grandchildren Bella, Brie, and Coen loved every minute of his tickle fests, sled outings, and fix-it projects. They were charmed by Papa’s special laugh. Sons-in-law Scott Musser and Curtis Weaver remember Bob as a skilled rummikub player, bonfire builder, and for being a fun participant in the family Christmas games. Bob was thoughtful and kind, and his family will forever cherish his generous heart.

Bob farmed all his life, fueled by many cups of coffee. He loved caring for the land, growing crops, and being outdoors. Conservationist is engraved next to his name on several awards. He joined Annie in maintaining her hosta beds and perennial gardens, together welcoming garden clubs and tour buses. Both were members of the Crawford County Garden Club and two hosta societies.

Bob liked to create large garden sculptures out of metal and wood to compliment Annie’s tapestry of plants. Journalists at three magazines and several newspapers have featured their beautiful gardens over the years.

If there was a repair needed or a construction project in Charter Oak, Bob would be there. He volunteered as a Community Club member or board member for five decades. They honored him as Charter Oak’s Citizen of the Year in 1982. He served as co-chairman of the town’s Centennial, sporting a grizzly beard, and later partnered with Annie to co-chair the big parade for the town’s 125th.

His hammers and tools left a legacy in Charter Oak—evident in the wooden welcome sign, the large arboretum gazebo, and four new homes. Bob’s woodshop was always busy. He built four additions onto their Century Farm house, and many details in their home are handcrafted from wood. Bob the builder was a skilled woodworker, electrician, plumber, brick layer, farmer, mechanic, metalsmith, inventor, and gardener. Annie liked to call him her jack-of-all-trades, who could fix anything.

He made friends easily across western Iowa and served many organizations in leadership roles: two Crawford County boards, the Tri-Community Medical board, the board for Boulders/Cobblestone Hotel in Denison, and the Farm Bureau board. He also dedicated 50 years as chairman of Willow Township Trustees.

Bob honored God as a faithful servant—as usher, trustee, two-term Elder, assistant Sunday School teacher, and voting member of his church. He served on the parsonage building committee and led many projects, including installing the church elevator and chairing the fellowship hall construction. When asked, he would serve.

Bob believed in Jesus and eternal life. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church, Charter Oak. After marrying Annie, he transferred to Zion Lutheran in Denison. They later returned to St. John to raise their girls with faith and love. His family is comforted in knowing Bob is now enjoying the alleluia angel choirs and reconnecting with loved ones in heaven.

Visitation with family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. His Service of Comfort and Hope will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak or the Charter Oak Community Club.