One Nation, Under God

Rodney Lee Kroon

MALTA - Rodney Lee Kroon, 79, passed away on Monday, 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 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30, at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, May 31 at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel. Interment will be in the Malta Cemetery. Condolences may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

He was born on August 1, 1938, to LeRoy and Verna (Erickson) Kroon in Malta, Mont., 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, Wash., 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 for 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 for 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 for 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.

 

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