Thomas "Tom" Wayne Kroll, Sr.

Thomas W. Kroll, Sr., 80, passed away unexpectedly on September 22, 2023, in Leander, TX. He was born on May 24, 1943, on the south side of Chicago, IL. Tom attended Chicago Vocational High School, where he found his calling for drafting and mechanical design.

In 1961, Tom joined the U.S. Navy and served as an ejection seat mechanic aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14). The aircraft carrier was notably involved in operations in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War, a service period that significantly influenced Tom's life and beliefs. While serving, he met his first wife, Marsha L. (Croteau) Kroll, at a YWCA dance in Portland, ME. They wed on July 20, 1963, in Memphis, TN, and Tom was honorably discharged four years later.

Tom epitomized the American dream. Through hard work and determination, he navigated a career path from draftsman to design engineer, and went on to lead teams of engineers, earning the respect of his peers and developing several patents along the way before retiring in 2000.

Tom lived in various places—from San Diego, CA to Boca Raton, FL—before ultimately settling in South Portland, ME to raise his family. A hands-on and devoted family man, Tom was the mastermind and craftsman behind the family haven affectionately known as "Camp" on David Pond in Fayette, ME. He lovingly designed, built, and upgraded Camp himself. For close to 30 years, he and Marsha held family gatherings there, preparing for weeks in advance to ensure the time we spent together was memorable. These precious moments often culminated in coveted evening fishing trips, late night campfires, and many laughs.

After 57 years of marriage, Marsha passed away unexpectedly in 2020. Tom later relocated to Austin, TX to be closer to family and met Diane Frankie through his son Chad. They married on December 8, 2022, in Lahaina, HI.

Tom had a special affection for his pets, especially his miniature schnauzer, Sadie Mae.

He was preceded in death by Marsha, his mother Elizabeth (Broberg) Anderson, his father Raymond Anderson, and his brother Roy Kroll. Tom is survived by his wife Diane; his children, Thomas W. Kroll, Jr. (Stephen Zak), Deborah L. (Kroll) Frenette (Christian Frenette), and Chad E. Kroll; and his grandchildren Megan I. Kroll (Lucas Osowski), Ahnika M. Kroll, Jillian C. Frenette, Everett A. J. Kroll, Samuel T. Frenette, Abigail L. Kroll, and Paige E. Kroll. The family would like to thank Jessica Kroll for the love and support she gave to Tom, especially when he was recuperating from some health issues in recent years.

Kind, generous, and forever jovial, Tom will be profoundly missed. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his extraordinary life at Journey Bible Fellowship in Leander, TX, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 2 p.m.