Robert “Bob” Vincent Kelroy, 94, of Fond du Lac died on Saturday May 18, 2013 at the Woodlands Senior Park. He was born on Aug. 8, 1918 on the Kelroy Homestead in Byron, the son of the late Edward V. and Ethel (Kelley) Kelroy. Bob attended grade school in the Byron Village and Fond du Lac High School. Bob farmed all his life with his father and then in 1945 for himself until 1980. He married Pearl Becker on Nov. 17, 1945 at St. John’s parsonage in Byron. They raised 5 children: Fred, Barbara, Thomas, Marlene and Diane. Pearl died on July 13, 1978. He married Dolores B. Soles Abler on June 2, 1979 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mount Calvary. She preceded him in death on May 5, 2000. Bob was a lifetime dairy farmer, Director of Milwaukee Milk Producers, served as Trustee for numerous terms at St. John’s Byron and played an integral part in building plans for the St. John’s Hall, Byron, and he was a 4-H leader where he shared his knowledge of horses. He had a great love of horses and carried a picture in his wallet of his first team of horses, Duke and Dan, and often shared wonderful stories of their experiences together on his farm. At the age of 81 he went on a Wagon Train trip with his son Fred and grandson Marc out to Wyoming for a week and even drove a team of horses while on the trail. Bob enjoyed bowling, reading while his eyes were good, sheepshead with the St. Clare Gang and spending time with family and friends. Bob is survived by two sons: Fred (Karen) Kelroy of Racine, Tom (Gloria) of Fond du Lac, and three daughters: Barbara Kelroy of Fond du Lac, Marlene (Chuck) Bernhard of Theresa, and Diane (David) Giese of Byron, the proud grandpa of 11 grandchildren: Jason (Carrie) Kelroy, Chad (Jonelle) Freiberg, Josh (Tanya) Bernhard, Stephanie (Chris) Ochocki, Bridget (Tim) Schaumberg, Peter (Ali) Giese, Andrea (Logan) Kittelson, Amanda Kelroy (special friend TJ Veneris), Kristen Kelroy(special friend Tim Nordberg), Erika Freiberg and Marcus Bernhard. He is further survived by 11 great grandchildren: Benjamin, Megan and Zachary Kelroy; Britton Bergen and Boden Bernhard: Chelsea and Aubrey Ochocki; Taylor and Hunter Schaumberg and Maddox Kittelson, his sister Margaret Schmitz and brother Edward (Shirley) Kelroy and sister-in-law Darlene Kelroy, his step children Lucille Roidt, Rosalie (Phil) Eikoff and John (Bonnie) Abler, multiple step-grandchildren and step great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his two wives, his granddaughter Jillian Giese, his grandson Keith Kelroy, his great granddaughter Grace Kelroy, his brother John Kelroy, his sister Rosemary Schmitz and his special friend Mary Manthey. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday May 22nd at 5:00 PM at Sons of Zebedee, St. John’s Catholic Church, W5882 Church Road, Fond du Lac. Rev. Michael Peterson will officiate and committal of his cremated remains will follow at the St. John’s Cemetery in Byron. The family will receive family and friends at a reception following the committal until 9:00 PM in the parish hall to continue the celebration of Bob’s life. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to St. Agnes Hospice Care, Sons of Zebedee-Capital Campaign/St. John’s Hall Roof, the Byron Veterans Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice. The family wants to thank the St. Agnes Hospice and Woodlands staff for your compassionate care of our Dad. He felt your kindness and concern and truly appreciated all you did for him. His family will be forever grateful. Twohig Funeral Home, Fond du Lac is assisting the family with guestbook and online condolences at www.twohigfunerals.com.
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