Edward Walter Kroll

MADISON - Edward W. "Ed" Kroll, age 90, passed peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 after complications from COPD. He was born in Buffalo, New York, Oct. 2, 1925 to Walter and Clara Kroll. Ed met each new chapter of his life with bravery. In 1944, at age 18, he found himself storming the beaches of Normandy in the first truck to make landfall. He fell in love with Ruth Orner while both were stationed in Germany during World War II and married her there in 1947. They spent the next 52 years together raising their family, moving wherever his long and successful military career called him. They were stationed in Taiwan with their young family from 1956 to 1960, and later in Washington D.C. working at the Pentagon. He retired from the military in 1972 as a Lieutenant Colonel, and went on to serve Dane County as the Director of Emergency Planning for nine years, settling on Madison's west side. One of the many highlights of his life was returning to Washington D.C. in 2012 with the Honor Flight Network to visit the World War II Memorial. Ed was preceded in death by both his beloved wife, Ruth (1999) and his dearest daughter, Dr. Karen E. Kroll (2003). He is survived by his son and best friend, Kurt Paul Kroll; three grandsons, Morgan and Matthew of Madison, and Sgt. Shawn M. Kroll of Milwaukee; as well as a great-grandson, Nolan Ryan of Madison. He loved the simple things in life; a good book, challenging puzzles, classical music, movies with his dear friend and companion, Jane Vorhees, and time with her wonderful daughter, Jennifer and family, as well as dinners with the many friends he made as a resident of The Arbors at Oak Park. He also enjoyed getting together with his family for birthday celebrations, good shrimp, and witty jokes. Ed was an intelligent man who kept his sharp mind right up until the final chapter of his long and fulfilling life. Although he was blessed with good health for most of it, he was recently faced with decisions on a move for health related reasons. Resolute and thoughtful, he chose, with a grin, to make a move home. On Oct. 21, 2015, Ed decided to discontinue his medical treatment and passed peacefully the very next day with his son by his side. He met every challenge life gave him with a courage that could only be admired, and will be very missed by all that enjoyed his kind, gentle nature, and his quick, handsome smile. A celebration of Ed's life is planned for Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at THE ARBORS OF OAK PARK, 618 Jupiter Dr., Madison, with a service at 1 p.m. and a reception to follow. Ed's family would like to thank the staff at Oak Park for their loving care and assistance over the years, and especially in his last months. His ashes will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife and daughter's at Sunset Memory Gardens. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420