Richard Allen Kroc

Richard Allen Kroc, 93, of the Holmstad Retirement Community in Batavia and formerly of Mason, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at Seasons Hospice in Naperville.  Richard was born June 23, 1926, in Chicago, the son of Robert John and Charlotte Elizabeth (nee Rank) Kroc.  Richard was united in marriage to Lois Knight April 9, 1950 in Sheridan, IL.

Richard (“Dick”) grew up near Tuley Park in Chicago and attended Tilden Tech High School. He attended Northwestern University under the Navy’s V-12 program near the end of World War II. He chose to major in Electrical Engineering because it had the shortest line at registration. After college, he worked for the Whiting Corporation until he re-entered the Navy during the Korean War. During that interim, he met Lois Knight and they were married on Easter Sunday during an ice storm in Sheridan, IL. After his discharge from the Navy, he and Lois settled in the Cincinnati area as he worked for about 30 years at GE’s Aircraft Engine Division in Evendale, Ohio. They were active in the United Methodist Church in Mason, Ohio, where they formed many lasting friendships. Richard served on the Mason school board, tutored elementary school students, and was named Mason’s Citizen of the Year in 1994. After Lois’s death, he moved to the Holmstad in Batavia, IL to be near family. There he became active in developing enrichment activities for other residents, especially focusing on developing a weekly Science and Nature program.

He is survived by his son Thomas (Jennifer) Kroc of Batavia; two grandchildren, Charlotte and Branwen; and sister Dorothy Caldwell. 

He is preceded in death by his brother Robert Kroc.

Due to COVID-19 and restrictions surrounding social distancing, a memorial service will be held privately. Richard will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife in Rose Hill Cemetery in Deerfield Township, OH. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Benevolent Care Fund c/o The Holmstad, 700 West Fabyan Parkway, Batavia, IL 60510.

See the video of Richard's Memorial Service Here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2623423624651026