Ronald L. Kroll

Ronald L. Kroll passed away at his home in Billings on Jan. 2, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. His spirit could not be broken, but he could not physically conquer the cancer that had invaded his body.

He was born in Belle Fourche, S.D, on Aug. 8, 1953, to Leonard and Delores Kroll. Ron grew up in Billings, attending Orchard Elementary, Riverside Junior High and graduating from Billings West High in 1972. On Dec. 18, 1971, he married the love of his life, Denise Wilks. They were married 37 years this December. From this union came a son, Brian Scott, and a daughter, Lindsey Marie. His family was the love of his life and, as his family grew to include spouses and grandchildren, nothing in the world made him happier. Brian's family (Lynette, Hannah, and Alyssa) are an important part of the rich legacy left after his passing. Lindsey's family (Bjorn Bornes, Bjorn James and Noah) completed our family unit. Ron loved his family with every fiber of his being and was very proud to introduce them to everyone he came in contact with.

His passion in life was building the family cabin in Fishtail and sharing it with family and friends. He especially loved to take his grandchildren on the four wheelers and sledding. Quality family time was most important to him. He loved everything from the dance recitals to the baseball, basketball and football games played by his grandchildren. These simple pleasures brought him much joy and happiness. Ron loved to hunt, fish and take long walks at the cabin: a total outdoorsman.

Ron is survived by his soul mate, Denise; son Brian (Lynette); daughter Lindsey (Bjorn); and grandchildren Bjorn James, Hannah, Alyssa and Noah. He is also survived by his father and mother, Leonard and Delores; siblings Diane, Lonny, Robert, Steven and Kriss. Ron is also survived by his second family at Bruco, Inc. He was preceded in death by his infant brother Terry and maternal/paternal grandparents.

Services will be on Monday, Jan. 5, at 1 p.m., at the Nye Community Church in Nye. A reception will follow at The Fishtail Community Hall.

A very special thank you to Dr. James Burke and the staff at the Billings Clinic, Libby Brindley and to the staff at RiverStone Health Hospice for the care, love, and support given to Ron and our family during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to RiverStone Health Hospice, PO Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107.