John M. Kroll, 82, of Helena passed away at Fort Harrison on Sept. 4, 2008, after a long illness.

John (Johnny) was born on Oct. 21, 1925, in Colorado Gulch to William and Eva (Hoyt) Kroll. They lived on Priest Pass for a while and moved to town in the 1940's. In his younger years, John worked at the Clausen Ranch and at the MacDonald Pass Ranch. After moving into Helena, he worked on the M.P. Railroad. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to France and then Germany.

In 1944, he was captured in the Battle of the Bulge and was a P.O.W. until 1945, when he was liberated by the Americans. He returned home and went to work at Elk River Concrete. He moved to Ulm with his wife and child.

He continued to work at Elk River Concrete in Ulm for eight years before returning to Helena, where he went to work for Helena Sand and Gravel. He retired from Maronick Construction after being a foreman on the paving crew for 17 years.

John's favorite pastimes were camping and fishing. He was a great hunter and trapper.

He liked to tease and was liked by everyone he met, and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rosie; daughter, Beth Lindsay of Helena; sons, Martin (Audrey) of Elliston, and Ernie of Helena; daughter, Kathy (Ron) Stacey of Helena; and sister, Dolly Gleed. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, William and Eva; brothers, Willis, William, Charlie, Bobby, Donnie and Melvin; sister, Mary; nephew, Donald Gleed and friend and brother-in-law, Harry Friberg.

At John's request, a graveside service with military honors will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. A gathering for family and friends will be held at his home immediately following the graveside service. To offer condolences to John's family or to share a memory of John, please visit www.mem.com.

Service arrangements are under the direction of Retz Funeral Home.