MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, January 21, 2006 10:00 a.m.
Philip High School
Philip, South Dakota

• Just want you all to know my heart was very heavy the day I got the call. And oddly enough I was in California celebrating the birth of my first grandchild and was so sorry to have had to miss the funeral. But Steve knew all of you were in my heart that day. And that he was already in heaven in the mansion he so deserved. I have to say that Steve lived his faith. He did not need to preach a sermon, but he showed compassion for the forlorn, down trodden and people who needed a helping hand. I know many people had no idea how many peoples lives he touched in his life-time. But I can appreciate him and his legacy for being such a true friend to all. I look forward to the day we all will meet together again for a fine gathering in heaven. God bless Steve for the man and friend he was. ~ Judy Olney PO Box 187, Wall, SD 57790 (1/18/2006)
• Here are the words spoken at Steve's service:
  
  Steven Alan Kroetch--My Friend from July 15, 1951 to January 18, 2005
  
  In November little Dawson asked me if I was Grandpa’s brother, and I said “No, I was not his brother, but rather something even better, I was his friend”.
  
  We have anticipated this day—Steve’s Funeral Service—for about a year, as it was diagnosed a year ago during a second operation on his cancer that it had spread to inoperable places and time was the only factor.
  
  One year ago on January 23, the Three Dogs--Steve, Bill Thorson and I—took a road trip through the reservation, to Porcupine, through Wounded Knee, to Gordon Nebraska, to Mike Cummings’ grave and to Mike’s mom’s place. It was at Mike’s mom’s place that Steve actually verbalized the extent of his own condition—to Mike’s mom. It was a difficult dialog and the subject remained difficult over the year.
  
  That was a glorious day, though. It was a great road trip, sunny and warm, rolled down the windows, visited the familiar places, told stories—some of them true. Between the dogs we used to say the stories may not be true, but we remember them well. A Road Trip. That was what Steve really liked to do. Bill, Steve and I did these as often as possible, especially the last two years or so.
  
  What would you like spoken at your funeral? I would want people to reflect on the life well lived. Sorrow and grief are natural. We could and we will mourn the loss of our good friend.
  
  But Steve was a happy man. He was a happy young man when we played baseball together, except for that one time when I called strike three on him. He was correct, the ball was outside. He had a great family, a wonderful wife—Karla—and kids and grandkids who adored him. And he had a great sense of humor. Steve would want us to remember his three key aphorisms:
  1. Beer didn’t affect him.
  2. He didn’t need to practice golf.
  3. He got better looking each day.
  
  Steve, Bill and I have of course been friends for many years. I could only wish such an abiding friendship for others. My Dad’s favorite saying—at least it was stenciled on all his pencils—was “The finest things in life are the friends along the way”. It’s so true. For many years Steve, Bill and I would get together regularly, usually there was a road trip involved, and for the last 15 years or so, one key event was the Three Dogs Golf Tournament in July. We more or less usurped ownership of this tournament and have sustained a competition with Jerry Ingram, Darwin Koepp, and Rod Hinman. Steve provided a running commentary. Steve was having some bad fortune on the course one tournament day—He would say I ain’t helping fellas—Bill says God Kroetch you are a load, getting hard to carry! To which Steve said: Who would you rather carry?
  
  I guess there is not anyone that we would rather carry. ~ Frank Hansen Albuquerque, NM (1/18/2006)
• Words can never console one in a time of such great sorrow; but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that he is in a better place now, and his suffering is no more. ~ Tonda (Jacob) Ellis Sioux Falls, SD (1/18/2006)
• I graduated with Steve. He was the class clown. I have had a chance to visit with Steve different times when returning to SD for class reunions or back to visit family. One of the most precious times was this past summer when my twin sis Pat and I drove to Philip from Wall where we were attending a family reunion. We went out to Lucile and James Petersons to visit with Doreen who was there from Texas. She said that Darrell was coming over and he had called Steve to come out. It was so nice to see Karla and Steve. It was like old times back in high school. We laughed so much. As we were getting ready to leave Steve told us it was his birthday and thanked us for coming. It is really us that needed to do the thanking. It was such a gift to get to see Steve again. I enjoyed each conversation I had on the phone with Steve. Steve you gave all of us some cherished, final gifts. God Bless. ~ Pam Schuler-Paff paff.tp@juno.com (1/18/2006)
• Karla & Family,
  You have been in my prayers since I learned of Steve's illness. Steve was a wonderful human being who was loved by so many people, and we will remember all the times he made us laugh over the years. Laughter and Love, I can't think of a better combination. He'll always be near and in our hearts forever. ~ Bonnie McFarland 1271 Burnaby Street, El Cajon, CA 92020 (1/18/2006)
• Our thoughts & prayers are with the Karla & the rest of Steve's family at this time. ~ Dennis & Barbara Plunkett Bangor, Maine (1/18/2006)
• I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your loving family is in our thoughts and prayers. And may God bring you comfort and peace knowing that your loved one is now with Him. ~ Courtney Lockhart (Hanson) Custer, SD (1/18/2006)
• May all of the great memories bring you comfort at this trying time. You have our sincerest sympathy and we are keeping you in our prayers. ~ Leah Hanson Custer, SD (1/18/2006)
• I'm sorry for your loss, I often think about what a catch 22 it is to feel so bad when someone so special leaves us. In order to feel bad, there had to be such great love. Know that over time, the pain will be replaced by treasured memories worth there weigh in gold. ~ Becky Kendall 5809 Oak Court, Black Hawk, SD (1/18/2006)
• . ~ Lela Rael 249 S Higley Rd., Golden Valley, AZ 86413 (1/18/2006)
• Karla & Family,
  
  So very sorry to hear of the passing of Steve. He was a wonderful person and loved by many. He is with God now and God has a bigger plan. It is really hard to understand why things like this happen. God is with us always and helps us through difficult things like this. Know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Theresa Pekron Westminster, CO (1/18/2006)
• Karla, Micky, Marty, and Jaris,
  I can't be there with you today, but have been wishing I could give you all a big hug and cry with you. My prayer is that God will hold you today and in the days and months to come. The sun will shine again, just not the same.....Love you. ~ Jenny Sand Spearfish, SD (1/18/2006)
• Sorry we couldn't be there for you but we are thinking of you and praying for you we are thankful we were able to watch the memorial video Love Vernon Berniece and family ~ Vernon Johnson jwetther@aol.com (1/18/2006)
• Our Sincere Sympathy goes out to all of Steve's Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May God Comfort You and Bring Peace to You. Heaven now has a new Angel. ~ Roger, Valerie, & Erica Williams Philip, SD (1/18/2006)
• Dear Karla and family,
  So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts will be with you tomorrow and wish we could be there to support you but Richard can't get off from work. But wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts. You have our sympathy. ~ Richard and Sharon Kirkman Belle Fourche, SD (1/18/2006)
• Kroetch Family~know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers at the difficult time. May the great memories of Steve and the love of God comfort you now. I have many memories of Steve running around a cross country course cheering all of us on.
  Love and prayers,
  ~Wendy ~ Wendy Cook-Madsen Kadoka, SD (1/18/2006)
• Kroetch Family-We were truly saddened to hear of Steve's passing. We have fond memories of Philip and of Steve. You are all in our prayers. May your hearts find the peace that Steve is now enjoying. ~ Donna Hart Lockhart, Jay and Kirstyn Hart & Finley and Jeanette Hart Boyer Dallas, TX (1/18/2006)
• Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. God Bless. ~ Connie (Clements) Richards & Colleen Clements Cedar Rapids, IA (1/18/2006)
• Karla & Family- Nothing I can say will ease your pain but just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God will comfort you and wrap his loving arms around you now and always. ~ Melissa Holland (Burnett) Lake Crystal, MN (1/18/2006)
• We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Steve was such a great guy. I remember many lectures he would give Carol and all of the "gang", as we were growing up. May you find comfort knowing he is free of pain and suffering. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all. ~ Don & Wanda Moses Fairmont, NE (1/18/2006)
• Karla and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this trying time in your lives. My most warmest and sincere sympathy to you all. ~ Jeanette Barnett Potts Beaverton, OR (1/18/2006)
• Sincere sympathy to all of Steve's family. He had a long struggle but put up a valiant fight. Thinking of all of you at this time. ~ Beverly & Cork Jahner Kerrville, Texas and Philip, SD (1/18/2006)
• I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Take comfort in knowing that Steve is now in a better place. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Kellie Nixon Weinzetl Belle Fourche, SD (1/18/2006)
• Wanting to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. It's sometimes so hard to understand "the good" in God's plans but we know your Faith is strong and will see you through this "Valley of Sorrow". Steve was liked & respected by all who had the pleasure of dealing with him whether social, religious, or business and will be sorely missed by the community. We have doctor appointments in Omaha and will be unable to attend Steve's services but will keep you in our thoughts & prayers. May God in His Infinite Mercies strengthen & support you. ~ Jim & Jan Hewitt Philip, SD (1/18/2006)
• To all the Kroetch Family... Sorry to hear of your loss. Know that Steve is in a good place and that he loved each and everyone of you. We will be thinking of you all. Love and Prayers, Heather and family. ~ Heather & Justin Schreiber Wall, SD (1/18/2006)