Kroll, Delbert H. “Delbabe”

HIGHLAND - Delbert H. “Delbabe” Kroll, age 94, passed away peacefully at the home farm where he wanted to be at, on Tuesday evening, March 3, 2026.

Delbert was born on the 10th day of the 10th month 1931, to Bernard and Theresa (Eiling) Kroll in the Township of Highland.  He was born in a 2-room white house on the 314-acre farm with no electricity or running water. The original barn was built in 1919, and the milk was delivered in cans by horse and wagon. Field work was done with four horses before Delbert’s father bought an International 1020 steel wheeled tractor, which Delbert was big enough to drive, and he remembers taking out a fence with it.

Delbert’s sister, Lucille, was his teacher at Dry Bone Road School from first through eighth grade. Delbert remembers walking through deep snow, and it was uphill both ways.  He attended Highland High School graduating in 1949.  Delbert was involved in FFA and played clarinet in the band. 

Delbert went to UW Platteville to be an Ag Teacher.  While attending college he worked at a restaurant where they called him “High Speed Hank” because he could wait on two tables at the same time.  On weekends, he would come home and help his dad on the farm because the rest of the siblings had already left home. After one year at UW Platteville, Delbert decided that he didn’t want to be a teacher, so he came home and started farming with his dad.

Delbert met the love of his life, Ann Reynolds, at a local dance.  She was 16 years old and Delbert was 22 years old. Delbert’s mom told him she was too young to date, but they dated for two years and wed on May 26, 1956. They purchased the family farm and raised six children. Delbert milked 34 cows and raised 10 sows until he built onto the barn and started milking 50 cows.

In 1981, Pat, Delbert’s son, started farming alongside him. Pat bought the farm in 2004, and Delbert continued to help on the farm until the age of 78. Delbert and Pat were awarded the Sesquicentennial Ownership Certificate by the State of WI for 150 years of continuous farm ownership in August 2021. 

Throughout the years, Delbert and Ann enjoyed their Card Club with close friends for over 55 years playing cards and traveling.

Delbert was an active member of Ss Anthony & Philips Church and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus obtaining 4th Degree.

Delbert will be remembered for his quiet, kind nature with a ready smile, a twinkle in his eyes and his witty humor.  His neighbors lovingly nicknamed him “The Mayor of Centerville” for he was the icon of the neighborhood. He would frequently say “What a guy should do” when he wanted something done without telling you directly how to do it. Delbert lived his life for his faith and his family.

Delbert was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, on August 20, 2015; a son, David, on June 13, 1981; an infant daughter, Theresa; his parents, Bernard & Theresa (Eiling) Kroll; siblings and their spouses: Lucille (Arnold) Volenec, Cletus (Betty), Earl (Virginia), Kathryn (Leon) Papierniak, and Louie(Marion).

Delbert is survived by his children: Daniel Kroll, Pat (Barb) Kroll, Brenda (Jerry Schwandt) Knutson, Bruce (Caroline) Kroll and James (Jackie) Kroll.  He is further survived by eight grandchildren: Jason (Lizi) Kroll, Stephanie (Daniel) Kroll, Brittany (Jessie Weibel) Knutson, Amanda (Josh Landeau) Knutson, Benjamin (Amanda) Kroll, Nick Kroll, Hannah (Alex Teixeira) Kroll and DeAnne (Mike) Spalla; great grandchildren: Nora Kroll, Aaliyah Facen, Aria, Elowyn, and Lief Weibel, Owen and Cameron Kroll, and Landon and Hudson Spalla.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Ss Anthony & Philips Catholic Church in Highland with burial to follow in St Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass on Saturday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Upland Hills Hospice would be greatly appreciated. The Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit: www.larsonfuneralhomes.com

The family would like to extend a huge thank you to Upland Hills Health Hospice staff; especially the nurses Felicia, Kelly, Pam and Ashley for the compassionate care of Delbabe this past year.