(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Gerhard Kroll passed away at the home of his daughter and son-in-law on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, after a long illness. He was born in Balga, East Prussia to Paul and Martha Kroll. In 1951, he emigrated to the U.S. aboard ship with his brothers Bernhard and Siegfried, landing in Boston, and eventually settled in Racine, Wis.
In 1953, Gerhard was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean war, where he served as a corporal and translator for his commander and for military courts in West Germany. After discharge, he attended Layton School of the Arts in Milwaukee, where he met Georgia. They married in 1958 and eventually started a family. The two artists bought a small machine shop and made it into a unique home. The house sat on top of a hill overlooking parks along the Root River valley.
After graduating in 1961, Gerhard freelanced as a sculptor, working primarily in clay and metal. He was the curator at the Racine County Historical Museum for more than 20 years, designing exhibits that included an Egyptian tomb, depictions of the lives of early settlers, stained glass exhibits and an industrial display featuring the J.I. Case Corporation. He also carved and painted a totem pole for the Save the Wolves Foundation and created many more rotating exhibitions. He loved teaching adult sculpture classes and formed lasting friendships with his students at Racine and Kenosha art associations.
Gerhard Kroll public art installations (sculptures and figures):
1994: Circle of Hope outdoor sculpture, Cancer Center at Ascension All Saints Hospital, Racine
1982: Thirty bronze panels; Gatsby Tavern, Kenosha
1982: Nightingale fountain; Kurten Medical Clinic, Racine
1980: Copper birdbath in garden; Wustum Museum, Racine
1978: Granite memorial sculpture, Riverwalk (originally created for Manpower), Milwaukee
1977: Forces of Energy and Effort, building facade, Northshore Bank (originally created for the Badger Federal Building), Milwaukee
1970: Bronze birds with mosaic sun, St Mary’s Medical Center (now Ascension All Saints), Racine
1968: Tree sculpture, Thiensville Shopping Center
1969: Lava sculpture, Racine Theater Guild
1966: Totem pole of native animals, near Lake Wausau, Marathon County
1961: South Pacific stone idols (lava stone figures), Leilani Supper Club, Brookfield
Gerhard was beloved by family and friends for his offbeat sense of humor, his dynamic personality and the sense of wonder he created around the ordinary. His storytelling abilities were legendary to those who knew him, permeating his art so strongly that he became known as The Storyteller in the arts community. He displayed a limitless curiosity and had strong opinions about everything from politics to science, nature and world history. He loved to talk and exchange ideas and always had an affectionate hug ready. He enjoyed social occasions immensely where his wit, sense of humor and lively personality could shine.
Gerhard will be missed endlessly and never forgotten. He is deeply loved by his children and grandchildren; his brother and sister; as well as nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife, Georgia, his four children Kevin, Craig, Jason and Karina; son-in-law Dean Allen; grandchildren Clayton and Avaline Allen; his brother, Bernhard and sister, Rosemarie. His nieces and nephews include Alyssa, Tamara, Gregory, Armin, Tokjan, Tanja, Andrea; and Per, Thorsten and Klaas Hansen. He was predeceased by parents Paul and Martha; his sister Marianne and sister-in-law Evelyn; brothers Martin and Siegfried; and nephew Jorg.
The family is planning a private celebration of Gerhard’s life in late December.
Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations
Stephen P. Casey, Funeral Director/Owner
(262) 653-0667
www.CaseyFamilyOptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Doug Chaussee says:
I am so sorry to read of his passing. I worked with Gerhard at the museum in the very early 1970’s. The obituary so accurately describes this wonderful man and his warm personality. He made a lasting impression on me in my youth which remains to this day. My deepest sympathy to his family.
James Wishart says:
I met Gerhard along with Bernhard and Siegfried in 1964. Gerhard was always upbeat especially during his working years. I enjoyed his company and his art. My condolences to the family.
Gisela Engels says:
Liebe Familie Kroll, ich habe von Tanja diese sehr betrübliche Nachricht erfahren und möchte mein herzliches Mitgefühl, auch Rosemarie gegenüber, ausdrücken. Ich kann den Schmerz sehr wohl mitempfinden, da ich meinen Mann Friedhelm im Febr. 2020 verloren habe, ich wünsche Geogia, die ich auch 1995 kennenlernen durfte, viel Kraft. Georgia lebe in Dankbarkeit, das hilft Dir sehr, ganz lieb aus Old Germany . Eure Gisela Engels
Gisela Engels says:
… und wieder hat ein ostpreußisches Herz aufgehört zu schlagen. Ich bin in Bartenstein/ Ostpreußen geboren,
Ilona Willing says:
My heartfelt condolences on Gerhard’s passing. Thinking of you Georgia (many fond memories) and your children.
Jeanne Arnold says:
Sending heartfelt thoughts to you’ll Georgia and all your kin.
Sincerely–
Pat Koesser says:
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of my art teacher & friend. I met Gerhard in 1984 at a Kenosha Art Association clay sculpture class he was teaching. His teaching style, kindness, & encouragement helped me develop my art. My condolences to Georgia & the family.
Tokjan Wishart says:
My Uncle was simply a great human being. I remember being regaled countless hours with refugee stories move from East Prussia to West Germany as he and my mother fled the Russian advance. Because of his off-beat, humorous storytelling, I never really realized, until years later, how much danger they were really in. Some of my best memories were working in his booth at the King Richard’s Faire selling “orange ale” and the days spent with my cousins at his home. In all that time, I only saw him angry once. It involved Jason, a rubber inflatable raft, and is disappearing on the river for several hours without telling anyone. I’m lucky to have known him.
Scot Przybylski says:
When I first met Gerhard my hands were sweating, heart racing, nervous beyond belief. I was meeting a father, an established artist and native German speaker who I thought would challenge my grasp of his language and my own artistic ability. My nervousness “just meant something important was about to happen” and it did. I had the privilege of knowing an amazing and talented human being with a welcoming smile and forgiving personalty, especially for my clumsy German, that I will always and fondly remember. My condolences to the Kroll family. My thoughts are with you.