MALTA-Rodney Lee Kroon, 79, passed away on May 21, 2018 from a short and unexpected illness. He went to be with the Lord surrounded by family.
The family will receive friends at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 30, at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Thursday, May 31 at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel. Interment will be in the Malta Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.
He was born on August 1, 1938 to LeRoy and Verna (Erickson) Kroon in Malta, MT, joining his older brother Ralph. He graduated from Malta High School in 1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Myrna Le Long on December 26, 1958. He worked as a tire mechanic and then with his Dad doing carpentry work shortly after being married. LeRoy and Rodney spent time in Seattle building houses in 1961-1962 in preparation for the World Fair.
On May 16, 1962 they welcomed their first and only child Rhonda Lee. In the late summer of 1962 Rodney began working as a rancher for his uncle, Bob Erickson. He remained working on the ranch, and eventually took over the operation and remained a rancher the rest of his life. He was blessed to be able to work on the ranch until the day of his illness.
Rodney was a very active member and servant of Malta Community Church. He served on the Deacon Board and Building Committee during his many years as a member. He taught elementary students Sunday School classes. Rodney and Myrna ran the Preschool Cubbies program for 21 years. The children loved receiving a hug from their “Cubby”.
Rodney served on the Malta School board as a member and chairman from 1971-1983. He enjoyed attending many school events, especially basketball games as a strong Mustang and M-ette fan. He loved watching his daughter and grandkids in all their activities. Family was very important to Rodney and he cherished every moment he spent with his grandkids and his great-grandbabies.
Rodney will always be remembered by his big smile and hug. He was a great encourager, could strike up a conversation with anyone, and always had a positive attitude. Most importantly, Rodney will be remembered by his strong and steady faith in his savior, Jesus Christ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Verna Kroon, brother Ralph Kroon, father and mother-in-law, Wayne and Beatrice (McKown) Long, sister-in-law, Darlene (Long) Olmstead, and uncle and aunt Bob and Hazel Erickson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Myrna (Long) Kroon, his daughter Rhonda (Allan) DeVries, grandson and neighbors Aaron (Angel) DeVries, granddaughter Carmen (Wes) Salveson, grandson Evan DeVries, his pride and joy great-granddaughters Lucy and Nellie Salveson, Tessa Lee DeVries and his first great grandson, Baby DeVries, who will be arriving any day, and his lifelong friends and business partner; Dick and Linda DeVries. He is also survived by numerous friends, nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved church family.
Memorial donations can be made to the Expansion Fund at Malta Community Church, PO Box 677, Malta, MT 59538
Guest Book
From: Beverly J Evins
Rodney will be greatly missed. What an awesome man. He knew you wherever he saw you, and always welcomed you with a huge smile and a big hug.
From: Fran and Amber Olsen
What a humble servant of God Rodney was. One of the most positive men we've ever been blessed to know. We will miss his sweet smile and strong handshakes! Love you guys so much!
From: Michael Fred & Nancy Ereaux
We are so sorry for your loss of such a special man. Rodney was always so kind and such a gentleman. He always had a big smile and a good hug for us.
We know what it's like to lose your parent, (or grandparent) your best cheerleader, your rock & your friend all in the same instant and our prayers are with you for comfort & peace now and in the days ahead.
Wish we could be there to give each of you a huge hug and help you celebrate such a wonderful life. We pray he is in the Lord's arms now.
Love & prayers,
Michael Fred & Nancy
From: Doug and Bonnie Kroon Roulstone
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers Myrna. Thinking of the time you came out for my Dad's funeral and how much that meant to us all. It was so thoughtful and special.
From: YungGul and Elaine Kim
What a neat cousin to be around. Growing up Rodney was our fun cousin from Montana. We remember fondly Rodney's trip to Seattle with you Myrna and having you in our home for supper. We know you and your family will miss him in the days ahead.
May Jesus bring you comfort.
Lovingly,
Elaine
From: Shelley Dunbar
So very so sorry over the loss of Rodney, what a great guy he was,everyone NAILED the stories of Rodney last night, Rodney and the Erikson family were neighbors of my Daddy, so many a conversations were talked over the fences and when it came time to fix those fences, Rodney did his share and more, Daddy so appreciated his help all those years. I always loved to see Rodney and Myrna and chat a bit and yes receive one of his hugs, my last hug from Rodney came on Mothers Day. Always laughed at Rodney as whenever it was Grandparent Day at the Elementary Rodney and Myrna always came, he loved that day and made sure he visited with all his grandchildrens teachers, and I was lucky enough to be included also, what a guy I will miss his hugs, visits, love to ALL of you great guy he was.
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