Edward Loyd Kroenke, the son of Albert and Anna Kroenke, was born December 26, 1924, in Dolliver, IA. He passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer, IA, at the age of 100.

He received his education in the Estherville schools. In 1943, Ed was drafted. He was a World War II veteran, and served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army. He was in the 82nd and 101st Airborne. He survived D-Day, the invasion of Normandy, Holland, and the Battle of the Bulge. He had many interesting stories of his time in the war, but the Battle of Hurtgen Forest was quite outstanding.

On June 23, 1951, Ed was united in marriage to Rosella Kastner at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Estherville. Ed worked as a Stonemason, and traveled to many towns in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota, with various employers, as well as being self-employed. The most notable structure in Estherville is St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He and Duane Syverson did all the stonework.

Ed was an avid deer hunter, and he got his last deer at age 98, with his nephew, Charlie Loeschen, and his good friend, Denny Bollig. He enjoyed fishing as well.

Left to cherish Ed’s memory is his wife, Rosella; his son, Paul, and his wife, Nancy, of Graettinger, IA; Susan Kroenke of Denver, CO; 3 granddaughters and 5 great grandchildren; and Marlys Kroenke, sister-in-law.

He has been preceded in death by his parents, brothers Henry and Walter, and sisters Lorna Loeschen, Lorraine Richard, Arlene Johansen, and Marlene Woltz.

Memorials may be sent to Avera Hospice or St. Luke Lutheran Home.