Ronald Edwin Krom

Ronald Edwin Krom passed away Saturday, May 2, 2015 surrounded by his children, in Mesa, Arizona, due to pulmonary fibrosis. Ron, 79, was born on September 5, 1935 in Rochester, Minnesota to Donald and Helen (Bassett) Krom.He was the eldest of nine children.He graduated from Rochester High School in 1953.After graduation he served four years in the United States Air Force (1953-1957), stationed in Alaska and Florida.He worked on radar systems and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He remained a lifelong member of the American Legion. Ron was married to Joyce Slawson from 1957 to 1980 and they had five children together.He worked for IBM for 33 years as a computer programmer and engineer. Ron had a strong faith in the Lord and served in many capacities at First Baptist Church in Rochester and later at Sun Valley Community Chapel in Mesa.He loved to be outdoors and enjoyed camping, hunting, trap shooting, fishing, water skiing, motorcycling, and many other activities. He played piano and guitar and enjoyed playing music with his siblings. In 1985, Ron married Ardith Lemon.Ardith passed away in 1997. Ron married Carol Ulrey in 1998 and they retired to Mesa, Arizona.Together they enjoyed golf, dancing, and traveling.He was active in computer club and pool league in Mesa. Carol passed away in 2014. Ron is survived by his four children-Barb (Tim) Schroeder, Scott (Lori) Krom, Diane (Jim) Grosso, and Kathy (Gary) Johnson; nine grandchildren-Brandon Krom, Joshua Schroeder, Brittany Krom, Kalyna (Patrick) Stitt, Jenna (Robert) Retterath, Lindsay Grosso, Samuel (Renee) Grosso, Andra Johnson, and Jay Johnson; and nine great-grandchildren-Jack, Finnian, Levi, and Aletheia Stitt, Jessica, Bianca, and Easton Retterath, Henrik Krom, and Willa Grosso.He is also survived by eight siblings and 35 nieces and nephews. Ron is preceded in death by his son, David Krom, wife Ardith Lemon Krom, wife Carol Ulrey Krom, and his parents. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 12, 2015 in the Timothy Chapel at Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Rd. SW., Rochester, MN 55902. Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00 PM Monday, May 11, 2015 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW., Rochester, MN 55901 and one hour prior to the service at the church.Interment will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens.