Robert Louis Kropf

Robert Louis Kropf Jr., 72, of Vermilion, died Sunday, October 25, 2015 at Hospice Services of Southwest General after a brief illness. He was born December 7, 1942 in Amherst and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 35 years moving from Virginia Beach. Robert graduated from Old Dominion University. He began his career with the United States Navy serving from March 1, 1961 to August 31, 1980 retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8). Robert served tours of duty in Siagon, Vietnam in 1960, and Yankee Station from December 1965 to February 1966. He then worked as an Electronics Engineer and Foreman for the Nordson Corp. for 17 years retiring in 1997. Robert was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church,Vermilion. He enjoyed fishing, boating, golfing, riding his Harley Davidson, traveling out West with his wife in their motorhome, and spending time with family. He also enjoyed Vermilion Church softball because of the friends he made. While stationed in Hawaii he played fast pitch softball on a Navy team where he was selected as an all star. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna (nee Mucha) Kropf of Vermilion; sons, Robert Anthony Kropf of Vermilion, Richard James (Amy) Kropf of Vermilion, Ronald Louis (Patti) Kropf of Mount Lebanon, PA, Christian Andreas (Joni) Kropf of Reno, NV, and Michael Allen (Bing) Kropf of Springfield; daughters, Kimberly Ann (James II) Sullivan, of Springfield, Heidi Marie (Shane) Goodman of Columbia Station, and Melissa Jean (Rick) Szabrak of Columbus; sister, Kathryn Sherrard of Hedgesville, WV; grandchildren, Claire Kropf, Megan, Jakob and Gretchen Kropf, Alexandria and Madison Sullivan, Marlee and Hazel Kropf, Elijah, Mason, and Avery Goodman, Isaac and Leo Szabrak, and Summer Kropf. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. and Florence (nee Schmitz) Kropf and a brother, Richard (Dicky) Kropf. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 from 6-8 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH. Friends may also call Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of a prayer service at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:30 pm at St. Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion. The Reverend Ronald Brickner will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors. The family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice Services of Southwest General, 18659 Drake Rd, Strongsville, OH 44136 Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.