Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Peter I. Kromm had open hands that were always willing to help anyone in need. If you were looking for him, the best place was in the field fixing a tractor, by the pole shed, or in the field fixing a tractor.
Peter was born on November 9, 1944, in Two Rivers, WI. His parents, George and Lillian Kromm, moved to Omro, WI when he was still young to start his love of farming on the family farm. Peter obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Oshkosh, majoring in Biology, with minors in chemistry and mathematics. Peter served in the Army during the Vietnam War, where he was trained as a bio-chemist technician. After leaving the Army he got his medical technology degree and started his career at Winnebago Mental Health Institute. Peter dedicated 40 years to the profession.
Peter has touched so many lives over his 75 years of life. He took pride in building his own home, disassembling five buildings to create his unique house (he always loved a good deal). He had a love of restoring classic cars (he could have had his very own car show/junkyard). He took special pride in his 1962 Pontiac Catalina, which he bought in 1965. Peter loved helping his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews with their 4-H projects. He loved to share his joy of agriculture with his 4-H group, the Poygan-Go-Getters. Peter loved working around the farm, and did so like he was 20, and believed if something needed to be repaired, of course he could do it himself.
Peter served on the Omro School Board for 18 years, where he was President for four years. Peter served on the Omro Foundation Scholarship Committee for many decades. Peter was very active in his church, St. Paul’s in Winneconne, serving on many different committees. His passion was disseminating God’s word and he loved being able to sit with people and just talk life. Peter’s goal was to try to get as many souls in heaven as he could. We know he is still speaking in our hearts.
His biggest blessing in life was his grandchildren and getting to share the love of the farm with them. He is survived by Ashley and Peter Kromm, Nolan and Drew Achterberg and Tristan and Baby Boy (due in July) Hodgen. He joined his granddaughter, Emily Kromm, in heaven.
Peter is survived by the love of his life, whom he felt he was leaving too early, Diane Kromm; they were married for 43 years. His children, Adam (Nicole) Kromm, Becca (Aaron) Achterberg, and Julia (Judd) Hodgen; his siblings, Janice Prigan, George Candea-Kromm (Shirley), Ann (Dan) Egan, Eileen (Jim) Jooss and many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.
Peter lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, but knows that in heaven, he won. We want to thank all the staff (especially the nurses) at Mercy Ascension in Oshkosh for always taking great care of him over these past months during his frequent visits.
A private visitation and funeral will be held at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Winneconne with Pastor Ben Berger officiating. A public committal service and military honors will be on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. at the Omro Cemetery.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Doug Berge & Jane Cross wrote on June 4, 2020
Our sympathy to Diane and the Kromm family for the passing of Peter. We met Peter only once, at Brant's and Ali's wedding. Doug enjoyed briefly visiting with Peter at that time. May Peter rest in peace.
Gary and Janet Anderson wrote on June 1, 2020
Our sincere sympathy to Diane and the Kromm family! Peter was a wonderful guy, always smiling and happy to see you again and catch up after long periods of living apart in our separate lives. I'll always remember the story about Peter pounding nails in his sleep after days of hard work and little sleep while building his beautiful home. Peter professed the good news of the gospel story in every conversation! He will be missed but we will see him again in the resurrection when the dead in Christ are called home!
Amarjit and Antonia Anand wrote on May 30, 2020
Dear Diane and Family
Our sincere condolence on the passing of Peter, a fellow luminary.
Amy Elizabeth Seuffer wrote on May 30, 2020
Dear Diane (and family), my heart breaks at the loss of your husband (father/grandfather/brother/uncle). Our family was deeply honored to know Pete as a friend, neighbor, and brother-in-Christ. What a truly wonderful and godly man. His exemplary life and beautiful legacy is one that will live on in our hearts for the rest of our lives. He will be greatly missed. May God be near to you in this difficult time. Sending prayers up for you all. Love, Amy
David Miles wrote on May 30, 2020
Prayers and hugs Diane. So sorry for your loss.
David
Steve & Connie Zellner wrote on May 29, 2020
We both knew Peter for many, many years working at WMHI. He was always kind, gracious, and an enjoyable person to be around. Sending our prayers and condolences to the family.
Ruth and Tony Greisinger wrote on May 29, 2020
My heart goes out to Pete’s family at this time of loss. Pete was a kind and gentle soul. They don’t come any better. He has definitely gone to his reward in heaven. I know your faith is strong Diane. Hold on to that.
God bless and keep you. RIP Pete.
Sally Kieckhafer Billington wrote on May 29, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the Kromm family. I knew Pete from high school, he was a couple years ahead of me. He always had a smile on his face, and he always had something nice to say. God Bless
Ken and Gloria Splittgerber wrote on May 29, 2020
Diane and Family -- What a legacy Pete leaves...love for his family, service to his church and community, help for anyone who needed it. A man of faith and integrity. Prayers for God's comfort and peace for you.
Sharon & Salim Hawi wrote on May 29, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to Diane and the Kromm family. Peter was such a kind and gentle man, one of the best.
Dan and Ann Egan wrote on May 28, 2020
Peter was my big brother who was a mentor to me. That 63 Pontiac was the car I took my behind the wheel driving test and passed even though I stalled the engine on the Y turn. He allowed me to use that same car when I student taught. We were soul mate siblings. I couldn't have picked a better Godfather for our youngest daughter, Mackenzie. Peter donated blood for Mackenzie, a complicated pregnancy. I have been honored to be his sister .
Sue & Dan Eddy wrote on May 28, 2020
We have a Welcome sign in our foyer that Pete made for us years ago "Our home is always open to God, Sunshine and Friends" that we treasure. He also made 2 barn board frames for our family portrait and an oil painting of our sons and pets. He was a gifted man in many ways.