Arthur A. "Art" Kroetch, age 80, of Philip, died Tuesday, July 3, 2007, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.
Arthur Albert "Art" Kroetch was born August 18, 1926 in Hilland, South Dakota, the son of Fredrick and Pearl (Boyce) Kroetch. He grew up on his parents’ homestead and received his education at the Elbon Rural School.
As a young man he worked with his family and various ranchers in that area. In 1948 he owned and operated a custom haying business.
Art was united in marriage to Eleanor May Johnson on June 30, 1950 in Cottonwood, South Dakota. In November 1950, Art entered the United States Army during the Korean War. He was stationed with the 549th Engineering Base Survey Company in California and Alaska. In November 1952, he was honorably discharged and returned to his custom haying business. In 1956 Art and Eleanor started a salvage yard in Philip, which eventually turned into Scotchman Industries known today.
In January 2001 they retired and spent summers in South Dakota and winters in Sun City, Arizona, and traveled to their children’s homes in between.
Art was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion, all of Philip. He served on the Philip Independent School Board for ten years, and a Haakon County Commissioner for ten years, and served on the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital Board for many years.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Eleanor of Philip; two sons Bruce Kroetch and his wife Linda, and Jerry Kroetch and his wife Karen all of Philip; four daughters Mary Arnold and her husband Richard of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Barbara Rislov and her husband Gerry of Philip, Sharon Scozzaro and her husband Michael of Chandler, Arizona, and Carol Asheim and her husband Dan of Hill City, South Dakota; a daughter in-law Karla Kroetch of Philip; twenty grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two brothers Charles Kroetch and his wife Kay, and Fritz Kroetch and his wife Barbara, all of Philip; one sister Lottie Walker of Renton, Washington; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Art was preceded in death by a son Steve Kroetch; his parents; and four siblings, Ralph Kroetch; and three in infancy, twins Marion and Mary Ann, and one brother Fredrick.
Visitation was held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 8, at the Philip High School and one hour preceding the services on Monday at the church.
Public memorial services were held 7:00 p.m. Sunday, at the Philip High School, with Father Ron Garry officiating.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 9, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Ron Garry as celebrant, and Father Tony Grossenburg as con-celebrant.
Interment with military honors by Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173 of Philip, was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A memorial is established. Memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 256, Philip, SD 57567.
MEMORIAL SERVICES: Sunday, July 8, 2007 7:00 p.m., Philip High School
CLERGY: Father Ron Garry
SPEAKERS: Joe Raver – John Hart – Charles Ekstrum – Ray Flynn
MUSIC: Haakon County Crooners: "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", "Lord Listen To Your Children", "Lord’s Prayer"
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, July 9, 2007 10:00 a.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church
CELEBRANT: Father Ron Garry
CON-CELEBRANTS: Father Tony Grossenburg – Father Tim Hoag
MUSIC: Marianne Frein – Organist, Maureen Palecek – Vocalist: "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" #677, Psalm 103, "The Lord Is My Hope" #477, "Look Beyond" #337, "The Summons" #378
LECTORS: Lloyd Frein – Micky Reedy
ALTAR SERVERS: Bethany Kroetch – Kelsie Kroetch
USHERS: Greg Weber – Keith Emerson – Jerry Carley – Charles Ekstrum
PALLBEARERS Art’s Grandsons: Martin Kroetch – Jaris Kroetch – Ross Kroetch – Benjamin Arnold, Jason Arnold – Alan Rislov – Adam Rislov – Josh Kroetch – Michael Scozzaro
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS BY: WHEELER-BROOKS AMERICAN LEGION POST #173 OF PHILIP, Masonic Cemetery, Philip, South Dakota
Guest Book
Eleanor & family
Just to let you know we are praying for you. May God hold you in the palm of his hand as you walk though this valley. My heart weeps for you. The services Sunday night was such a great tribute to such a humble person like Art. God truly has showered His blessings on you & your family. I'll always treasure the tender moment when Art, Karen & I shared the Lord's Prayer on the way to Rapid City. You could feel God's Spirit watching over us. I knew that whatever happened from that time on that God was in control. Every time the Lord shows up I'm blown away by His grace & mercy. Love, Prayers & Deepest Sympathy Debbie & Marty Hansen
~ Debbie & Marty Hansen
Philip (7/3/2007)
We are so sadden by the news of Art's passing, he was such a beautiful person! We will always remember the good times as next door neighbors and the good chats we shared as the two of them worked in their yard together (Eleanor with her flowers and Art on the mower), I enjoyed having them in my shop for the morning coffee group, sharing good stories and playing for the quarters during the coffee game. Art will greatly be missed in the Philip community, he was a strong pillar and set an example for all of us to live by in our own personal lives. We send our deepest Sympathy, along with our thoughts and prayers to Eleanor and all of Art's family.
~ Cheryl and Dave Dick
Beloit, KS (7/3/2007)
America has lost A great citizen, South Dakota has lost a great statesman, and the Philip and surrounding area have lost a good ole boy. Humble in nature, Art never forgot his roots. He accomplished the great American dream, coming from a poor homestead north of Philip, to forming the top industrial company in its field, never forgetting those that helped him accomplish that goal. He once told me, that there was no better place to have or start a business than right here, because these are GOOD people around here. But most of all, God has called home a great Christian Warrior. I will miss him most, walking down the street, head down and lips moving, praying I'm sure. I will miss him at church as a lector and Eucharistic minister, and his unswayable Faith in Jesus Christ. Our deepest sympathy to Eleanor and all of the family, as we all mourn the loss of our dear brother in Christ.
~ Ray and Karen Gibson
Philip SD (7/3/2007)
Sorry for your loss. Our sympathies are with the family.
~ Charles and Louise Rowcliffe & Hazel
Philip, SD (7/3/2007)
Sorry to hear about your loss. I've known Art for many years and he will be missed. Roger
~ Roger Rowcliffe
Manhattan, KS (7/3/2007)
I'm sorry for the lost of this wonderful man. I really didn't know him very well, but do know he raised some great kids and grandkids. Philip would not be the town it is today without Arts hard work and way of thinking, will miss him. So sorry for your loss
~ Pennie & Bill Slovek
Philip (7/3/2007)
Dear Eleanor, Lottie and Family,
We are still in shock over our loss of Art. It makes it that much more precious that we had that last meal with you in Sun City. Little did we know it would be the last. So many things left unsaid. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you. Lean on his strength. Love from the cousins
~ Bob and Cathy (Kroetch) Wilson
151 Tudor Crescent South, Lethbridge. Alberta, Canada (7/3/2007)
Micky, Matt, Ashton, Dawson, and all of Art's Family~
We have been thinking about all of you and will continue to keep you in our prayers as you deal with the loss of yet another dear family member. It seems like we never get to spend enough time with our loved ones before they are called away. We hope you have lots of terrific memories of Art to get you through some of those "tough" days down the road.
Our Sympathy to Everyone~
Vonda and Jason and Boys
~ Vonda and Jason Hamill
Milesville, SD (7/3/2007)
Dear Eleanor and Family,
The last time I visited with Art was at Steve's funeral. Our intent, since there was so much activity then, was to visit again sometime after. I am saddened that it did not, will not, happen as we'd planned. All I can do now is recall the wonderful days and times we did invest together during, and after, my life in Philip. Some of those times were highlighted in community - and hospital - meetings, some at those gatherings when Chuck and Orlen Carstenson, Marvin Eide and I used to play for dances. The memories will suffice for now as we all remember you Eleanor, as the partner of a man who did great things for the community of Philip, knowing he could not have accomplished it without you. May you grieve appropriately at this time, and continue to live in peace.
Sincerely,
Robert [Bob] Shannon and family
~ Robert [Bob] Shannon
2040 First Avenue, Rapid City, SD (7/3/2007)
We are so very sorry for your loss , we have the fondest memories of our great friendship of 50 years, Our prayers are with you Eleanor and family Love Flash and Elinor
~ Howard and Elinor McGrath
535 South Humbolt St, Long Term Care Battle Mountain Hospital, Battle Mountain, Nevada (7/3/2007)
We will always remember Art as the great person that we met for over 30 years. He was not only a hard worker and good business man but above all an exceptional human being. We still remember with affection his visit with Eleanor to our home in Mexico. Our deepest sympathy for her, for Jerry and for all his family that we will keep in our prayers.
~ Graciela Nuno and Francisco Ruiz
Mexico (7/3/2007)
My heart is with ALL of Art's family at this sad time. I have so many fond memories of conversations and time spent with Art. He will be missed by many.
~ Eleanor Hartmann
985 E Scott Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85234 (7/3/2007)
Our prayers are with you during this time of loss. It has been many years since I have had a chance to meet with Art, but I will never forget the faith he had in me back in the mid-80s when he needed someone to help out with his Scotchman Industries business in Japan. Art was a man good man and a man of his word; a rarity in the world today. Art will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace. The Tokyo Bishops
~ William R. Bishop, Jr. (Bill Bishop)
Tokyo, Japan (7/3/2007)
Our prayers are with you.
~ Connie Richards (Clements) & Colleen Clements
Cedar Rapids IA (7/3/2007)
Adam & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to your family during this time. Cherish the memories that you have, and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and God bless.
~ Kayla Parsons
Spearfish (7/3/2007)
Our deepest sympathy. May God's joy shine down on you like the rays of the sun, filling your hearts, soothing your spirit, and easing you pain.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter
Kadoka (7/3/2007)
We are so sorry of your loss. It seems impossible that "Art" is gone. Without him, there would be less Philip: No hospital, less businesses due to Art, Scotchman and the income that it generated. He was a great man and will be deeply missed. You are all in our prayers. The comfort of his passing is that he is now with Jesus and Steve. I am sure Steve welcomed him with open arms. We still haven't dealt with the fact that Steve is gone from this earth.
~ Roxy and Ray Formanek
Philip (7/3/2007)
Mary, Sharon, Eleanor and Family, We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. His family was very important to him and he always seemed so proud of all of you each time he came through for a visit. We know you will miss him dearly.
~ Tim & Sherry
Colorado Springs,CO (7/3/2007)
Our deepest sympathy to the family and Art's many friends across the world. He will certainly be missed. Honest and hardworking Art was dedicated to making all those he touched better people.
~ Ray Flynn
15 18 East Colfax Ave. South Bend, IN (7/3/2007)
I will never forget Art and Eleanor packing Sharon an I up and helping us move from Colorado to Arizona! Art was such a kind person. He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
~ Jenny, John and Parker Culbert
1442 W Homestead Court (7/3/2007)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God keep you close as you try to adjust to life without your loved one. Art was a good man, never to busy to stop and visit with one of his employees. He will be missed by many.
~ Larry and Julie McLaughlin
Midland,SD (7/3/2007)
Art was a very kind, loving man--I enjoyed his twinkle and dry sense of humor as teenagers and even more the last 3 years as we have been in Philip for school. Philip as lost a pillar. May he rest in peace with Steve.
~ Shelia (McDaniel) Trask
Wasta,SD (7/3/2007)
Sorry to read about your loss. Mary - we missed your smiling face at the All Class Reunion but there were prayers for you and your family in place of it. Remember all the memories and you will continue to smile.
~ Lianne Bierwagen Bjugstad
PO Box 353 Lisbon, ND 58054 (7/3/2007)
Our Sincere Sympathy goes out to all of Art's Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May God Comfort You and Bring Peace to You in this time of sorrow.
~ Roger, Valerie, & Erica Williams
Philip, SD (7/3/2007)
Sincere sympathy to all of Art's family. He will be missed by the family and the community. You are all in our prayers.
~ Beverly & Cork Jahner
Kerrvile, Texas and Philip (7/3/2007)
Sorry to hear of your loss. I know what it is like to lose someone so special to you all. Just always remember this: If God brought you to it, He will get you through it. Take care and know you are in my prayers. God Bless you all.
~ Crystal Bruinsma (Swift)
Mitchell, SD (7/3/2007)
Our deepest sympathies to all the family and friends of Art. He will never be forgotten. God bless you all in this time of sorrow! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Nathan Drury & Brittney
Philip, SD (7/3/2007)
From EVERYONE at Continental Machines our sincere sympathy and the entire Kroetch family will be in your thoughts and prayers.
~ Michael Johnson
Savage MN (7/3/2007)
Art did so much for so many people, me included. He designed and marketed products that helped people, products that lasted longer and worked better. Most important, he cared about and helped people. Philip is a better town, the world is a little better place to live, thanks to Art Kroetch, his hard work, and the high ideals he shared with those associated with him, those close to him. We will miss you Art, thanks for being my true friend. May you rest in eternal peace.
~ Joe Raver
(7/3/2007)
Your family is in my prayers.
~ Wayne McJunkin
Walhalla,S.C. (7/3/2007)
We wish to express our heart felt condolences to the family of Art Kroetch. We here at TigerStop are very sorry for your loss. We met Art through our business relationship and found him to be a fair and respected man. Our best wishes to Art's family, friends and co workers.
~ TigerStop LLC
Vancouver WA (7/3/2007)
Art was a man of extremely high standards, complete integrity, and passion for helping all of humankind. The history of Philip will be written with the kindness and generosity of Art as a significant chapter. He was passionate about his family, his church, his community and his country. We are all blessed to be able to call him friend. We are so sorry for your loss.
~ Nancy and Charlie Ekstrum
(7/3/2007)
... A Just and Proud Man
~ Tom & Karen Shepherd
Kirkland, Washington (7/3/2007)
I don't think any of us were ready for Art to be gone yet. It's so hard to believe that I won't see him again. Art was one of the kindest men I have ever known. He was so good to me during my employment at Scotchman for the entire 23+ years I was there. He made a point to come and visit with me when I left. He always made a point to greet us any time our paths crossed. Philip has been very fortunate to have had him in our community. He has almost single handedly made Philip what it is today because of the decisions he made to build his business.
To all of the Kroetch family, our deepest sympathies. We know how much he meant to all of you. All families should be as blessed as you were to have a man like him, with his faith and passion for life, as your patriarch. We will never forget him.
~ Neal and Vickie Petersen
Philip (7/3/2007)
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers! lean on each other to get threw this hard time! God Bless you all!
~ Darcy Swift
Sioux Falls (7/3/2007)
So sorry for the families of Art. Not only have you lost a loved one, but the town of Philip, as well as the world. We need more Arts. Our Sincere Sympathy - Hugh & Joann Hart
~ Hugh & Joann Hart
817 University St. Spearfish, SD (7/3/2007)
...
~ Mike Hart
214th 6th St. Emerado, ND (7/3/2007)
Grandpa...I love you so much. I am so happy I was able to spend time with you last week. We will all miss you so much! You were such a wise man and so much more to all of us then words can possibly say. We all are better for having you in our lives. Nothing will be the same without you, but we will have you watching over us and you will continue to guide us and make us stronger and better individuals. I have so much strength today in my sorrow knowing you are with Our Lord Jesus Christ and that you will be with Steve and your family who went before you. I know in my heart Jesus has welcomed you with open arms. I am saying goodbye for now, but I will see you again!
~ Jennifer Rislov Jones
High Point, NC (7/3/2007)