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Steve A. Kroetch, age 54, of Philip, died Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Steven A. Kroetch, better known as "Steve" to his family and friends, was born July 15, 1951, at the Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco, California, the son of Arthur and Eleanor (Johnson) Kroetch.

In the spring of 1953, he moved with his family to Philip, South Dakota. Steve attended Philip Elementary School and attended high school at Assumption Abby in North Dakota for three years, before returning to Philip High School for his senior year, graduating in 1969.

After graduation, Steve worked for Scotchman Industries in Philip.

Steve was united in marriage to Karla Brooks on December 18, 1971, and to this union were born three children, Michelle "Micky" , Martin, and Jaris. They continued to make their home in Philip, where Steve worked for Scotchman until 1981. In 1981, Steve purchased L&S Salvage which he operated until 1983, at which time he formed a partnership with Roger Buhman, changing the name to Rost Industrial. In 1988, Steve managed BEWO Saw Factory for Scotchman Industries. In 1992, Steve started Kroetch’s Machine and Metal, which he owned and operated until selling the business in 2001. In 2004 he built his prize shop where he loved spending time working and visiting with friends and family.

Steve was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip; a member of the Knights of Columbus; the Lake Waggoner Golf Course, and a member of the special golf team "3 Dogs." Steve was a huge supporter of Philip wrestling, and loved to watch hours of tennis on television. Steve also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared his life include his wife Karla of Philip; a daughter Micky Reedy and her husband Matt of Philip; two sons Martin Kroetch of Philip, and Jaris Kroetch of Rapid City; two grand-children; Ashton and Dawson Reedy; his parents Arthur and Eleanor Kroetch of Philip; two brothers Bruce Kroetch and his wife Linda of Philip, and Jerry Kroetch and his wife Karen of Philip; four sisters 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; his mother in-law Alice Brooks of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Viola and Martin Johnson; his paternal grandparents, Pearl and Frederick Kroetch; his father in-law Lloyd Brooks; and his brother in-law Steve Brooks.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m., all at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21, at the Philip High School Auditorium, with Father Ron Garry as celebrant.

Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.

A memorial is established.

Memorials may be directed to Karla Kroetch, P.O. Box 497, Philip, SD  57567

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL

Saturday, January 21, 2006 10:00 a.m.

Philip High School

Philip, South Dakota

 

CELEBRANT

Father Ron Garry

 

ALTAR SERVERS

Bethany Kroetch – Kelsie Kroetch

 

MUSIC

Marianne Frein – Organist

Maureen Palecek – Vocalist

"Here I Am Lord"

"Like A Child Rests"

"The Lord Is My Hope"

"Precious Lord, Take My Hand"

 

LECTOR

Rita O’Connell

 

USHERS

Alan Rislov – Adam Rislov

Ross Kroetch – Josh Kroetch

Ben Arnold – Jason Arnold – Michael Scozzaro

 

PALLBEARERS

Ray Formanek – Bill Thorson

Frank Hansen – Floren Falzone

Darrel Peterson – Jerry Ingram

 

HONORARY PALLBEARERS

All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

 

INTERMENT

Masonic Cemetery

Philip, South Dakota

 

God looked around his Garden, and found an empty place.

He then looked down upon his earth and saw your loving face.

He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.

His Garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain.

And knew that you would never get well on earth again.

He saw your path was difficult, he closed your tired eyes,

He whispered to you "Peace be Thine" and gave you wings to fly.

When we saw you sleeping so calm and free of pain,

We would not wish you back to earth to suffer once again.

You’ve left us precious memories, your love will be our guide,

You live on through your children, you’re always by our side.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.

For part of us went with you on the day God called you home.

 

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